CHRISTOPHER WILKINSON SENTENCED IN WORLINGWORTH AND STRADBROKE FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST UNDERAGE TEENAGER

In December 2012, a former educator from north Suffolk faced a severe legal penalty after admitting to multiple serious crimes involving a minor. Christopher Wilkinson, aged 39 and residing on Church Street in Worlingworth, was sentenced to a total of five years in prison following his guilty plea to numerous sex offences committed against an underage girl. The court proceedings took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where Judge Rupert Overbury delivered the sentence and addressed Wilkinson directly.

Wilkinson, who previously taught mathematics at Stradbroke High School, was found to have engaged in a sexual relationship with a girl who was only 14 years old when their relationship began in November 2011. This illicit relationship continued until Wilkinson’s arrest in April 2012. The court heard that the relationship involved more than six separate occasions of sexual activity, which Wilkinson did not deny.

In addition to the sexual offences, Wilkinson also pleaded guilty to possessing a significant collection of child pornography, with authorities discovering over 5,500 images stored on a USB device connected to his computer. The court was informed that Wilkinson’s actions had profound personal consequences, including the loss of his career, his marriage, and the alienation of friends. Wilkinson, who is a father of two, expressed remorse and acknowledged the emotional and practical impact his actions had on the young girl, whom he referred to as his girlfriend and professed love for.

During the sentencing, Judge Overbury emphasized that Wilkinson’s behaviour was inexcusable and that there were no valid justifications for his conduct. The judge also took into account the extent of the child pornography found on Wilkinson’s device, which contributed to the severity of the sentence. Wilkinson was sentenced to five years in prison for the child sex offences against the girl, and an additional 12 months for possessing child pornography, with both sentences to run concurrently. The court also noted that the identity of the girl must remain confidential for legal reasons, and she cannot be named publicly to protect her privacy.