DAVID ROBINSON FROM MALVERN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE STUDENT IN WORCESTERSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Malvern and the wider Worcestershire area, David Robinson, a 41-year-old sex education teacher, was sentenced to four years in prison for engaging in a prolonged and inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old girl. The disturbing affair, which lasted over three years, came to light after the victim, now 19, reported Robinson to the authorities following the end of their relationship in August of the previous year.

Robinson’s misconduct began during a school-related event at Chase School in Malvern, where he was known to be a teacher of social sciences and sex education. The relationship was initiated after Robinson befriended the girl during lessons, gradually gaining her trust and admiration. The court heard that Robinson exploited his position of authority to manipulate the young girl, who was still a minor at the time.

The court was informed that the relationship started in late 2006, after Robinson bought alcohol for the girl and her friends at a local pub, inviting them back to his house. It was at his residence that he seduced her, an act that marked the beginning of a clandestine affair. The girl, who was only 15 at the time, eventually moved in with Robinson when she turned 16. During their time together, Robinson lavished her with gifts, including a holiday to Spain and a camping trip in Wales, and even had matching tattoos with her—one of a barcode with the date of their first sexual encounter, November 25, 2006.

The relationship was characterized by secrecy and manipulation. The girl described how Robinson would often send her up to 15 text messages a day, begging her to rekindle their relationship after she tried to distance herself. She recounted that Robinson used her for sex, often touching her inappropriately and making sexual innuendos, despite her protests and her young age. She also revealed that he had slapped her on the bottom and called her 'beautiful' in front of other teachers and students, which added to the distress and confusion she experienced.

Robinson’s misconduct extended beyond inappropriate words and gestures. The court heard that he had discussed starting an escort agency, which caused the girl to fear that he might force her into prostitution. She expressed her fears that Robinson’s intentions were far more sinister, leading her to break off the relationship and report him to the police.

During the trial at Hereford Crown Court in July, Robinson was found guilty of five counts of sexual activity with a child. The court was told that he had groomed the girl over a period of time, exploiting her trust and youth. The judge, Pearce Higgins, described Robinson’s actions as a clear abuse of his professional position and a breach of trust. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Higgins emphasized that Robinson’s behavior was unacceptable and that the law exists to prevent older men from taking advantage of young girls.

Robinson, a divorced father of two, was also found to have already served 153 days in custody, which will be deducted from his sentence. He is required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to strict supervision upon release. The court acknowledged that while the girl’s life has not been completely destroyed, her experiences have caused her significant emotional setbacks and pain to her family, particularly her widowed mother.

As Robinson was led away to begin his sentence, both the victim and her mother chose not to comment publicly. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Malvern, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding against abuse by those in positions of authority.