MARK WESTCOTT FROM N. WRAXALL JAILED FOR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH 16-YEAR-OLD PUPIL IN SWINDON AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE

In December 2011, a disturbing case emerged involving Mark Westcott, a married housemaster based in N. Wraxall, who was convicted of engaging in an inappropriate and sexual relationship with a minor student. The incident took place at a well-known boarding school in Bath, where Westcott was employed, and the repercussions of his actions have sent shockwaves through the local community.

Westcott, aged 48 at the time, was found to have initiated an illicit relationship with a 16-year-old girl who was a pupil at the school. The relationship began when the girl sought his support during a difficult period, and he responded by providing her with his mobile phone number after one of his classes. What started as casual, flirtatious exchanges quickly escalated into more intimate interactions, including kissing and consensual sexual activity. The court heard that the affair started when the girl was in Year 11, preparing for her GCSE exams, and continued into her sixth form years.

Evidence presented in court revealed that the girl had even babysat Westcott’s children and had become acquainted with his wife, indicating a level of familiarity and trust that was ultimately betrayed. The first physical contact reportedly occurred during a school ski trip earlier in the year, where the two shared their first kiss. Their relationship soon turned physical, with the prosecutor, Siobhan Linsley, stating that the couple had their first sexual encounter at a Travelodge hotel near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, in August of that year. Further sexual activity took place in a room adjacent to the school’s sports hall, highlighting the secretive and reckless nature of their liaison.

During the summer holidays, while Westcott was on holiday with his family in France, the two exchanged explicit photographs, including naked images of each other, which was brought to light during the investigation. The case was brought to police attention after the NSPCC received an anonymous tip, and subsequent reports from students indicated that the girl was involved with someone inappropriately. A fellow pupil also disclosed that the girl was seeing Westcott, prompting further inquiry.

Westcott, who resides in North Wraxall, admitted to three charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust. His actions led to his suspension from the school at the time of his arrest, and he was later dismissed from his position. The court, presided over by Judge Douglas Field, sentenced Westcott to 16 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, reflecting the severity of his misconduct and the breach of trust involved in the case.