LUKE MASLEN FROM CALLINGTON AND PENSILVA SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING PUPILS

In February 2015, Luke Maslen, a 24-year-old physical education teacher, was sentenced to serve four years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with two of his pupils. The court proceedings revealed that Maslen, who was employed at Callington Community College, had developed inappropriate relationships with the girls through social media platforms, leading to a series of serious allegations that shocked the local communities of Callington and Pensilva.

During the trial at Truro Crown Court, it was disclosed that Maslen had initiated contact with the two female students via social media, beginning in 2012, roughly a year after he started working at the school. One of the girls was under the age of 16 at the time, while the other was over 16. The court heard that Maslen and the older girl exchanged up to 200 text messages daily, with Maslen professing his love for her. Their communication escalated to physical encounters, including sexual activity in his car, with one incident taking place near Colliford Lake, as described by the older girl in a police interview.

Furthermore, the younger girl was also involved in sexual activities with Maslen, which occurred at his residence and in her bedroom. The court was informed that Maslen would buy her cuddly toys and take her to McDonald's, indicating a pattern of grooming and manipulation. Both girls testified that Maslen expressed love for them, with the younger girl recounting that he had asked her to marry him but instructed her to keep their relationship secret.

Despite denying seven counts of sexual activity with the girls, Maslen was found guilty on all charges. The judge, Christopher Harvey Clark, QC, emphasized the gravity of the case, stating that it was a reflection of the public’s revulsion towards such misconduct by a teacher. He highlighted the distress caused to the victims, noting the impact statements presented during the trial.

In addition to the prison sentence, Maslen was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. He was also instructed to surrender his passport by 1 pm on the day of sentencing, refrain from applying for any travel documents, and reside at his parents’ home in Pensilva while awaiting his sentencing hearing scheduled for the following month.

Judge Harvey Clark expressed his disappointment and concern over the case, describing it as troubling. He acknowledged the trauma Maslen was likely experiencing but reaffirmed that the conviction was based on compelling evidence. The judge warned Maslen that if he attempted to leave the country within the next 24 hours, an arrest warrant would be issued, and he would be brought back to face justice. The court made it clear that fleeing the country was not an option, and justice would be served regardless of any attempts to evade it.