DELTA FERNEYHOUGH, TEACHING ASSISTANT IN CLEETHORPES, JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE BOY

In March 2014, Delta Ferneyhough, a 28-year-old teaching assistant from Freeston Street in Cleethorpes, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a teenage boy who has special educational needs.

The court heard that Ferneyhough, who worked at the school attended by the boy, exchanged sexually explicit messages, videos, and pictures with him, and crossed a significant boundary when they sent each other sexually charged content. The boy was described as being "besotted" with Ferneyhough and had a "crush" on her.

Prosecutor Jeremy Evans told Grimsby Crown Court that the boy suffered from learning difficulties. The incident came to light when the boy’s mother found a text message from Ferneyhough that read, "Hi, gorgeous," which raised her suspicions. The boy eventually confessed to having sexual relations with her.

The mother initially negotiated with Ferneyhough, agreeing not to report the matter to the school if she resigned from her position as a teaching assistant. However, Ferneyhough did not follow through with resignation, and the misconduct was reported by the mother to the school and the police.

Following the report, Ferneyhough was suspended and later dismissed during a disciplinary hearing, which she chose not to attend. She had previously agreed to abide by the school’s behavior policies when she was employed.

Judge David Tremberg addressed the court, stating, "This defendant crossed a red line. She has contributed to corrupting this boy. There can’t be a teacher or teaching assistant in England who does not know that engaging in sexual activity with a pupil is a fundamental breach of trust."

He described Ferneyhough’s actions as a "profoundly inappropriate course of conduct" that involved leading the young boy astray and exploiting her position of authority. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding children from inappropriate relationships within school environments.

Judge Tremberg commented on the defendant’s misconduct, noting her involvement in an illicit meeting at her home where sexual activity occurred, and highlighting the emotional harm caused to the boy. He suggested that the boy’s enthusiasm for the relationship might have influenced her behavior.

Citing the laws designed to protect children from both predatory adults and their own vulnerabilities, Judge Tremberg stated that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

As part of her sentence, Ferneyhough was issued a 10-year sexual offenses prevention order, severely limiting her future contact with boys under 16 and restricting her internet use. She is also required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.