Glyn Knowles, FORMER CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HEAD, SENTENCED IN BISHOP'S STORTFORD
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Puckeridge Sexual Abuser
In August 2017, Glyn Knowles, a former acting head teacher at Cambridge International School in Cambridge and child protection officer for a Hertfordshire archery club, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of grooming a teenage boy through an online sting operation. Knowles, 50, was arrested on July 14 in Bishop's Stortford after police intercepted his attempt to meet a person he believed was a 15-year-old boy on Grindr, a gay dating app.
During the court hearing at St Albans Crown Court, it was revealed that Knowles believed he was communicating with a teenage boy and had engaged in conversations about oral sex, even asking to see a penis. The investigation was initiated when an investigative journalist posed as a 15-year-old, using a modified stock image as a profile named Young Now, later renamed Bored. The conversation started on June 30, with Knowles sending a message saying, 'Hey, nice pic, very sexy, what are you looking for?'
The 'boy', claiming to be Hayden and aged 15, discussed living with his mother, and Knowles responded positively, saying, 'Yes, if that is okay with you,' before later sharing explicit material. Throughout their chats, Knowles expressed nervousness about meeting a young person but ultimately agreed to meet in Bishop's Stortford. Police arrested him at The Causeway as he arrived for the planned meeting.
Amanda Haynes, prosecuting, stated, 'He responded to a profile that was placed on Grindr by an investigative journalist posing as a 15-year-old.' The police found that searches for 'teen' had been made on Knowles' computer, although he claimed he was interested in individuals aged 18 and 19 and had wanted to advise 'Hayden' on internet safety—claims the court did not accept.
During proceedings, Knowles, who also worked at a Hertfordshire dive school, attempted to halt the conversation at one point, but communications resumed. His defense lawyer, Chris Whitehouse, argued that Knowles had shown genuine remorse and was already suffering humiliation and shame. He said Knowles was 'petrified' of the prospect of custody.
However, Judge Andrew Bright QC emphasized the gravity of the offense, describing Knowles as a man of good character who had acted against his reputation and position of authority. The judge highlighted that the case was part of a sting operation aimed at exposing internet predators, and he expressed his disapproval of Knowles’ actions, stating, 'What you were doing was taking your reputation in your hands' and 'it is difficult to imagine anything more horrendous, that a man in your position would act like this.'
In sentencing, the judge imposed a 12-month prison sentence, with half to be served in custody and the remaining on licence, citing the early guilty plea and the impact of publicity. He warned that such offenses warrant immediate custodial sentences and reaffirmed the court's duty to protect children.
At the time of his arrest, Knowles was serving as the 'Designated Safeguarding Lead and Prevent Strategy Lead' at Cambridge International School, a position explained on the school's website. The school, which caters to children ages 3-16 from 32 countries, swiftly dismissed him. An official email to parents from Nick Rugg of the International School Partnership, which manages the school, confirmed Knowles’ immediate dismissal and clarified that he had pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a minor following grooming, with no connection to any current student.
This case underscores the importance of vigilant safeguarding and the serious consequences of abusing positions of trust for illicit purposes.
During the court hearing at St Albans Crown Court, it was revealed that Knowles believed he was communicating with a teenage boy and had engaged in conversations about oral sex, even asking to see a penis. The investigation was initiated when an investigative journalist posed as a 15-year-old, using a modified stock image as a profile named Young Now, later renamed Bored. The conversation started on June 30, with Knowles sending a message saying, 'Hey, nice pic, very sexy, what are you looking for?'
The 'boy', claiming to be Hayden and aged 15, discussed living with his mother, and Knowles responded positively, saying, 'Yes, if that is okay with you,' before later sharing explicit material. Throughout their chats, Knowles expressed nervousness about meeting a young person but ultimately agreed to meet in Bishop's Stortford. Police arrested him at The Causeway as he arrived for the planned meeting.
Amanda Haynes, prosecuting, stated, 'He responded to a profile that was placed on Grindr by an investigative journalist posing as a 15-year-old.' The police found that searches for 'teen' had been made on Knowles' computer, although he claimed he was interested in individuals aged 18 and 19 and had wanted to advise 'Hayden' on internet safety—claims the court did not accept.
During proceedings, Knowles, who also worked at a Hertfordshire dive school, attempted to halt the conversation at one point, but communications resumed. His defense lawyer, Chris Whitehouse, argued that Knowles had shown genuine remorse and was already suffering humiliation and shame. He said Knowles was 'petrified' of the prospect of custody.
However, Judge Andrew Bright QC emphasized the gravity of the offense, describing Knowles as a man of good character who had acted against his reputation and position of authority. The judge highlighted that the case was part of a sting operation aimed at exposing internet predators, and he expressed his disapproval of Knowles’ actions, stating, 'What you were doing was taking your reputation in your hands' and 'it is difficult to imagine anything more horrendous, that a man in your position would act like this.'
In sentencing, the judge imposed a 12-month prison sentence, with half to be served in custody and the remaining on licence, citing the early guilty plea and the impact of publicity. He warned that such offenses warrant immediate custodial sentences and reaffirmed the court's duty to protect children.
At the time of his arrest, Knowles was serving as the 'Designated Safeguarding Lead and Prevent Strategy Lead' at Cambridge International School, a position explained on the school's website. The school, which caters to children ages 3-16 from 32 countries, swiftly dismissed him. An official email to parents from Nick Rugg of the International School Partnership, which manages the school, confirmed Knowles’ immediate dismissal and clarified that he had pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a minor following grooming, with no connection to any current student.
This case underscores the importance of vigilant safeguarding and the serious consequences of abusing positions of trust for illicit purposes.