MATTHEW BENNETT

A former headteacher who engaged in sexual conversations with a ‘teenage boy’ has avoided imprisonment.

Matthew Bennett, residing in Charlton Park, Malmesbury, pleaded guilty in Swindon Magistrates’ Court to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor.

The 47-year-old, formerly the head at Clifton High School in Bristol, admitted to the offense committed between July 2 and July 5, 2023.

He was discovered after using a fake online profile that falsely claimed to be a 14-year-old male to seek sexual gratification.

Now a director of the business consultancy Willows Ethos, Bennett received a community order during sentencing on November 3.

He is required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and participate in 20 days of rehabilitation within the next year.

Additional penalties include a payment of £85 in costs and a surcharge of £114.

Although the prosecution requested a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, District Judge Joanna Dickens deemed it unnecessary and disproportionate under the circumstances.

Bennett is also mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of five years.

In a letter addressed to parents, James Caddy, chair of the Clifton High School’s governing body, described the situation as “distressing.” He explained: “In August 2023, police notified us of Mr Bennett’s arrest on suspicion of attempting to communicate sexually with someone under eighteen.

“Legal restrictions prevented me from revealing details or initiating any disclosures that might interfere with the police investigation.

“Our immediate response was focused on safeguarding our students, adhering to established protocols to ensure the safety of our community.

“This included barring Mr Bennett from any further contact with or access to the school, particularly students.”