BOURNEMOUTH TEACHER ACCUSED OF GROOMING STUDENT INTO SEX
A teacher from Verwood, Jakob Sorensen, aged 33, is accused of grooming and sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl.Sorensen, who was the head of science at the Leaf Studio School in Bournemouth, Dorset, became 'obsessed' with the girl after initiating contact via Snapchat.
He purchased vapes and alcohol for her and took her out in his car, where they engaged in intimate acts.
The court heard Sorensen called in sick to meet her for sex and even booked a hotel room for her on her prom night.
Their relationship lasted several months until she ended it after starting college.
Sorensen, who has a long-term partner and is a father, reportedly became upset and obsessive when she tried to break off contact, which included jealousy and emotional distress.
He is charged with sexual activity with a child in a position of trust but denies raping her.
The girl testified that Sorensen had groomed her, gaining her trust at school and crossing the line by sharing his Snapchat details, which she initially thought was inappropriate for teachers and students to communicate on.
She described how he turned their chat sexual, made her uncomfortable, and asked to meet outside of school.
The court heard he kissed her first and later began sexting during school hours, expressing love and wanting a future together, which she did not reciprocate.
After she met someone her age in college, Sorensen was said to be distraught and broke down crying, making her feel guilty and dependent on him.
Despite her attempts to cut contact, they met on a few occasions, and he is accused of raping her after she repeatedly said no and tried to push him off.
Sorensen admits to one charge of sexual activity with a child but denies the rape.
The trial at Bournemouth Crown Court continues.
