DAVID WOOTTON SENTENCED IN CHATHAM FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRLS

In April 2005, a serious case of misconduct involving a teacher from Chatham culminated in a prison sentence for sexual offenses committed against two teenage girls. David Wootton, aged 36, was found guilty of exploiting his position of trust and was subsequently sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for each of the sex-related charges. The sentencing took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where Judge Andrew Patience QC emphasized the gravity of Wootton’s actions and the breach of trust involved.

Judge Patience described Wootton’s conduct as a gross violation of the responsibilities entrusted to him as an educator. He questioned the moral fabric of a profession that should serve as a guiding force for young people, asking, “If teachers cannot be trusted, then to whom can they turn when they are not at home receiving the guidance and care of their parents?” The court heard that Wootton, a divorcee who also taught music and citizenship, had engaged in sexual activity with one girl approximately 30 to 40 times. This girl, who was 16 at the time, had sexual encounters with Wootton at his home on Boundary Road in Chatham, just hours after he had unprotected sex with another girl, who was only 15.

Prosecutor Peter Alcock outlined that Wootton had misused his professional position to engage in sexual relations with two pupils, both minors. The court was also informed that Wootton had made threats against the girls and had expressed suicidal intentions. Additionally, he attempted to persuade a colleague to provide him with a false alibi during the police investigation.

Initially, neither girl was willing to cooperate with law enforcement. However, in August of the previous year, the older girl eventually spoke to police after Wootton appeared at her home, prompting her mother to contact authorities out of concern for her daughter’s wellbeing. The younger girl, aged 15, also provided a statement, revealing that she had developed a crush on Wootton, who would sing love songs to her and communicate via phone and text messages.

Further investigation uncovered that Wootton had solicited a colleague to lie about his whereabouts on a specific date, claiming he was with Wootton during that time. A staff member at the school also testified that she had caught Wootton alone with one of the girls behind lockers at the school premises at 6 pm, indicating inappropriate behavior.

Wootton admitted to two charges of sexual activity while in a position of trust in December 2003, and a further charge involving sexual activity with the older girl between May and August of the previous year. He also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice between February and March. The judge highlighted that Wootton’s threats and attempts to manipulate others to cover his tracks compounded the seriousness of his offenses.

Judge Patience described Wootton’s perception of his relationships with the girls as distorted and exploitative, emphasizing that his actions represented a significant breach of trust. Wootton, who now resides in Lincolnshire and works in recruitment, was sentenced to six months concurrent for perverting the course of justice, with additional penalties including a three-year extension of his license to work with children, indefinite registration on the sex offenders’ register, and disqualification from working with minors.

During the sentencing, Wootton’s defense solicitor, Louise Oakley, expressed that her client was fully remorseful and found the prospect of imprisonment terrifying. She explained that Wootton, who had experienced bullying as a schoolboy and had undergone treatment for depression and anxiety in his late teens, had lacked confidence. His career in teaching had helped him come out of his shell, but he accepted that his behavior was entirely unacceptable and that he had exploited his professional role.

Ms. Oakley also revealed that Wootton believed he had a genuine, adult relationship with the 16-year-old girl, and that his threats were made out of panic and desperation. She presented a letter Wootton wrote to the judge, in which he expressed shame and remorse, acknowledging that he should have maintained professional and moral standards. Upon release, Wootton expressed a desire to move abroad and teach English to adult students, seeking a fresh start away from the shadows of his past actions.