JAMES STROMFIELD'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN WEST SUSSEX: TEACHER'S ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL LEADS TO 12-YEAR SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community in West Sussex, James Stromfield, a 39-year-old mathematics teacher, was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving a 15-year-old pupil. The incident unfolded at his residence in West Sussex, where he orchestrated a manipulative and predatory scheme that culminated in sexual assault.

Stromfield, who was married at the time, devised a sinister game involving sexual dares for the young girl to play while his wife was away. He meticulously prepared a list of 12 sexual challenges, including commands such as 'remove an item of clothing' or 'make out,' which he wrote down on a piece of paper. To add an element of chance, he produced a pair of dice and instructed her to roll them, with the outcome determining the specific sexual forfeits she was to perform.

The game, which took place in February, took a dark turn when Stromfield succeeded in luring the girl into his bedroom. It was there that he sexually assaulted her, an act that has left lasting scars on the victim. Last week, the court sentenced Stromfield to 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, one charge of sexual activity with a child, and inciting sexual activity with a child.

The victim, visibly distressed, addressed the court through tears, describing her feelings of being 'sickened' and 'disgusted' by Stromfield's actions. She expressed that she felt 'completely broken' and shared how her life has been irreparably damaged. In her emotional statement, she recounted the profound impact of the abuse, revealing that she has been plagued by flashbacks and nightmares since the incident.

"James Stromfield's actions have affected me and my daily life in a way I wouldn't wish on anyone. I feel like a part of me died on February 27," she sobbed as she read her statement. She also disclosed that she had been hiding a terrible secret, which was slowly destroying her from within. "I wasn't the one who should have known better. I was a child and still am. Mr. Stromfield is now 39," she added, emphasizing the betrayal she experienced.

Details from Hove Crown Court revealed that the girl was a student at a secondary school where Stromfield was employed as a maths teacher. Over time, as she faced personal difficulties at home, she confided in him and grew to trust him. However, this trust was exploited when Stromfield was warned by the school’s head teacher to cease all contact with her. Despite this, he continued to communicate with her secretly by downloading an app called Proton, which automatically deletes messages, thus evading detection.

Prosecutor Orlando Gibbons explained to the court that the girl initially saw Stromfield as a friend and a paternal figure, but his messages gradually became flirtatious and sexual in nature. The girl admitted that she found his behavior somewhat creepy but continued to tolerate the messages because she valued his support and friendship.

Stromfield’s misconduct escalated when he arranged for the girl to visit his home in West Sussex while his wife was out. They played the sexual dare game again, which eventually led to sexual activity in his bedroom. The girl’s then-boyfriend tracked her to Stromfield’s address via Snapchat, leading to her being discovered at the scene. Police arrested Stromfield on suspicion of child abduction, but he refused to comment on the allegations. He was released on bail with strict instructions not to contact the victim.

Despite the bail conditions, Stromfield ignored the restrictions and met the girl again at his house in February, where they engaged in sexual activity once more. This time, the encounter was interrupted when police arrived at the residence, finding the girl and Stromfield in bed. The officers ordered her to put on clothes before arresting Stromfield. During the investigation, police found handwritten notes in the girl’s handbag from Stromfield, expressing remorse and longing, with instructions for future meetings. One note read: "Sorry to hear things were tough for you, hopefully it helps I am thinking and missing you. If you want to meet sometime see instructions on reverse. I will be there every day at 11.00am just in case you turn up." Another note stated: "I miss you so much and being apart is really tough. If you do want to come and see me come alone and be 100 per cent sure you can't be tracked. Love you loads Xx."

Two days after these notes, the girl returned to Stromfield’s home and again engaged in sexual activity, which culminated in rape. Fortunately, police had already been alerted and arrived at the scene while the pair was in bed, naked. Stromfield quickly ordered the girl to dress before answering the door. Officers found her curled up on the floor of the spare bedroom, and Stromfield was arrested once more on serious charges, including rape, attempted rape, and sexual activity with a child.

During sentencing, Recorder Quincy Whittaker condemned Stromfield’s actions, stating, "You groomed the victim. Your behavior was abusive, exploitative, and harmful to her." She highlighted the psychological trauma inflicted upon the girl, noting that her suffering could last a lifetime. The judge further remarked that Stromfield’s distorted thinking led him to believe his actions were somehow helping the girl cope with her problems and boost her self-esteem.

Stromfield was ordered to serve a minimum of eight years before being eligible for parole and was also instructed to pay his victim £5,000 in compensation for the harm caused.