JUSTINE ROWE FROM SANDHURST JAILED FOR LESBIAN AFFAIR WITH 15-YEAR-OLD STUDENT IN BERKSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community and brought to light serious breaches of trust, Justine Rowe, a 34-year-old teacher from Sandhurst in Bracknell Forest, Berkshire, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old pupil. The incident took place during a school trip to Manchester, where Rowe spent the night with the underage student, an act that has now led to her being convicted on multiple counts.

Rowe admitted to four counts of engaging in sexual activity while in a position of trust during the year 2002. Her actions have not only resulted in her immediate imprisonment but also in a lifetime ban from working with children. Additionally, she has been placed on the sex offenders' register for a period of ten years, a measure designed to monitor her activities and prevent further offenses.

The sentencing was carried out at Reading Crown Court, where Judge Zoe Smith delivered a stern verdict. She described Rowe as a “disgrace” to her profession and to the school she served, which remains unnamed in court documents. The judge’s comments underscored the gravity of the breach of trust and the damage caused to the victim and the community.

The court heard that the victim, a 15-year-old girl, was a student in Rowe’s classes, where she taught English GCSE and Sport History. The relationship reportedly began with a series of text messages sent by Rowe to the girl, which marked the start of a secret and inappropriate connection. Prosecutor Abigail Husbands revealed that the two began meeting in Rowe’s office and during school hours at lunchtimes and breaks, engaging in clandestine meetings that escalated over time.

According to court testimony, Rowe and the girl agreed to pursue a romantic relationship, but Rowe insisted they keep their interactions hidden. She advised the girl that they would need to wait until she either left the school or turned 16 in April of the following year before they could openly pursue their relationship. Despite these warnings, the communication persisted over the Christmas break, and on the first day back at school, the pair shared a kiss in Rowe’s office, the court was told.

The relationship continued into early 2003 but eventually ended. It was only in May of this year that the girl confided in her parents about what had transpired. Once informed, the school authorities and police were immediately notified. Rowe resigned from her position at the school and was subsequently arrested in May.

Judge Zoe Smith emphasized the emotional impact of Rowe’s actions, stating that her misconduct had “distressed” the girl’s parents, “disgraced” the school, and left the victim “confused” and emotionally unsettled. The case highlights the importance of safeguarding measures within educational institutions and the devastating consequences when those boundaries are crossed.