KEVIN HEVERIN SHOCKS NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE AND SCUNTHORPE WITH CRIME IN CLEETHORPES AND WINTERTON

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Cleethorpes, Winterton, and the surrounding areas, former science teacher Kevin Heverin, aged 34, has been sentenced to over two years in prison for engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old student. The incident, which took place in the early days of July 2011, has raised serious concerns about trust and safeguarding within local educational institutions.

Heverin, who was employed at Cleethorpes Academy at the time, appeared before Grimsby Crown Court to face charges that included grooming and multiple counts of sexual activity with the minor. The court heard that he admitted to seven charges in total—one related to grooming and six concerning sexual encounters with the boy at his residence in Winterton, a small town near Scunthorpe. These events occurred between July 25 and July 31 of that year, marking a period of grave misconduct that has now led to his incarceration.

Following the sentencing, authorities revealed that investigations are ongoing to determine whether Heverin had any other inappropriate associations with students at the three schools he previously worked at within North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire. Law enforcement officials have issued appeals to the public, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist ongoing inquiries. The police are particularly interested in uncovering any further misconduct or misconduct-related contacts involving the teacher during his career.

During the court proceedings, Judge David Tremberg emphasized that Heverin was fully aware of the victim’s age and the inappropriateness of his actions. The judge described the sexual activities as “profoundly inappropriate,” noting that they would not have occurred if the student had not misled his family about his whereabouts. The judge also highlighted the damage caused to the trust between the boy and his parents, describing the breach as “harmful and disruptive.” Heverin’s actions, the judge stated, represented a serious and persistent breach of trust that should have been avoided at all costs.

Judge Tremberg further pointed out that even if the victim had been over 16, Heverin’s position as a teacher would still have made his conduct unacceptable, given the inherent trust placed in educators. As part of his sentence, Heverin was disqualified from working with children and young people for a period of ten years. Additionally, he was ordered to comply with a 10-year Sex Offences Prevention Order and to register as a sex offender for the same duration.

Prosecutor Jeremy Evans detailed how the misconduct came to light. The victim’s mother discovered text messages on her son’s phone, which led her to contact the police. The boy had initially told his mother he was staying at a friend’s house, but her suspicions prompted her to investigate further. During police interviews, the boy revealed that Heverin had been his science teacher two years prior to the incident. The victim had initiated contact with Heverin via Xbox Live, sharing his phone number, which eventually led to a series of inappropriate exchanges. Heverin later sent explicit photographs of himself to the boy.

According to the prosecution, the two arranged to meet in person, with Heverin paying for the train fare to Scunthorpe and collecting the boy from the railway station. The court heard that the two then engaged in sexual activity, including showering together and having unprotected sex. They had planned to meet again the following weekend, but the teacher’s actions were ultimately uncovered and led to his arrest.

Defense lawyer Richard Lunn described Heverin as a highly regarded professional who had enjoyed a successful career. He explained that the teacher had felt sidelined after 16 years of service due to reorganizations at Cleethorpes Academy, which had affected his morale. Lunn also revealed that prior to the incident, Heverin had been suffering from depression and had been flattered by the attention from the student. He acknowledged that Heverin’s judgment was severely flawed and that his actions would have lasting repercussions.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Tony Wilkinson of the Humberside Police Public Protection Unit emphasized the seriousness of the case. He stated, “A strong sentence has been handed down. It shows that for people who abuse positions of trust, justice will be brought against them.” Wilkinson also confirmed that police investigations are ongoing into other potential victims and that authorities are keen to hear from anyone with relevant information or concerns about inappropriate behavior by staff members.

As part of his restrictions, Heverin is prohibited from living in the same house as any male under 16 and is barred from using devices with internet access unless they retain browsing history, which must be made available to police upon request. He is also forbidden from making contact with any male under 16 via the internet or through any unsupervised contact of any kind.

A spokesperson for Cleethorpes Academy reaffirmed the school’s commitment to safeguarding and clarified that Heverin had been thoroughly vetted before his transfer to the school. The statement noted that he had been employed at Lindsey School when it was taken over and became an academy. The school’s representatives emphasized that Heverin had received all necessary background checks and references, including from three previous headteachers, confirming his suitability to work with young people.

Due to the ongoing police investigations, authorities have requested that the media refrain from publishing details about the other two schools where Heverin previously worked, which are located in northern Lincolnshire and outside the circulation area of the publication. Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact the Humberside Police Public Protection Unit at 0845 6060 222.