MARK HAYWOOD FROM KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD AND MANSFIELD JAILED FOR GROOMING TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Mansfield, Mark Haywood, a young man with a promising future as a teacher, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of grooming a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity. The incident, which unfolded in Nottinghamshire, has brought to light the dangers of social media grooming and the breach of trust by someone in a position of authority.

Haywood, aged 23, was convicted at Nottingham Crown Court on multiple counts related to his inappropriate conduct. He pleaded guilty in July to seven charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and also admitted to inciting sexual activity with a second girl of the same age. The court heard that Haywood’s actions were deliberate and carried out through online communication, primarily via Twitter, where he contacted the victims and engaged in conversations of a sexual nature.

During the sentencing, Judge James Sampson emphasized the gravity of Haywood’s misconduct. He imposed a sexual offences prevention order that will last for ten years, restricting Haywood’s contact with children and requiring him to sign the sex offenders’ register for life. The judge also recommended that Haywood be banned from working with children in any capacity in the future.

In his remarks, Judge Sampson acknowledged the personal toll of the case, stating, “I accept that this is a very sad day for you and your family who have to witness your fate and who have had to hear the facts of this case read out in open court. You have no previous convictions. You are an educated, intelligent but, I accept, immature young man. That said, you were in a position of authority and trust and you breached that trust.”

He further highlighted that Haywood was aware of the seriousness of his actions, especially as he was nearing the completion of his teacher training. Despite warnings from staff about his conduct on social media and being alone with students, he continued his inappropriate behavior.

Haywood’s arrest followed police observations of him in a car with a teenage girl. Officers noticed clothing items in the back seat and discovered that Haywood was actively using Twitter to communicate with the victims. Evidence showed that he had sent an indecent image and had requested similar images from the girls. The police investigation revealed that Haywood had been working as a newly-qualified teacher for only a few weeks when the offences came to light. Prior to this, he had completed teaching placements, which showed no signs of misconduct.

His personal circumstances also played a role in the case. Haywood had recently gone through a difficult breakup with his fiancée, with whom he had been in a relationship for five years, which may have contributed to his emotional state at the time.

Defence lawyer James Horne described Haywood as remorseful, expressing regret not only for the harm caused to the girls and their families but also for the impact on his own family, who continue to support him.

Haywood, of Walesby Drive, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for the sexual activity charges, with an additional 18 months for inciting the second girl. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Lisa Saporita from Nottinghamshire’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit issued a statement. She highlighted the challenges faced during the investigation, noting that the victims were initially reluctant to come forward due to fear of repercussions. However, their courage in reporting the abuse was crucial in bringing Haywood to justice. She condemned Haywood’s use of social media to groom his victims, emphasizing that his actions were driven by a desire to satisfy his own sexual urges at the expense of the young girls’ safety and trust.