MATTHEW LIVERSIDGE SHOCKS NEWARK WITH SEX OFFENCES AGAINST PUPIL AT LOCAL SCHOOL

In November 2017, a disturbing case unfolded in Newark involving a teacher accused of heinous sexual misconduct against a young pupil. Matthew Liversidge, aged 33, faced serious allegations of sexually abusing a girl student at the school where he taught, as well as engaging in the exchange of indecent photographs. The case drew significant attention as it highlighted breaches of trust and the devastating impact such actions have on victims and the wider community.

At the conclusion of a detailed trial, Liversidge was found guilty on all six charges brought against him. During the proceedings, he maintained that the girl had fabricated the allegations, claiming that she had invented the story. Despite his denial, the evidence presented was compelling enough for the jury to reach a unanimous verdict of guilt.

Judge Timothy Spencer QC addressed the court and, notably, the victim, a 15-year-old girl, offering words of reassurance and support. He told her, “You must never reproach yourself or think any of this is your fault. You are a brave young woman. Everyone wishes you well,” during a sentencing hearing held at Nottingham Crown Court.

The girl, in a statement read out in court, expressed her desire for closure. She said, “I wish he had admitted what he had done and saved me distress and anxiety. I hope to get some closure, put this behind me and concentrate on my studies.” Her words underscored the emotional toll of the ordeal and her hope for recovery.

The court heard that Liversidge was employed as the head of Physical Education at the school. The judge remarked on what could have been a successful career had it not been for his actions, stating, “If you not had given in to this infatuation — your madness — it is reasonable to think you would have had a long successful career in education.” The judge also emphasized the broader damage caused by Liversidge’s misconduct, noting that such behavior erodes trust in the teaching profession and undermines the confidence of pupils and their parents.

As part of his sentence, Liversidge was subjected to a Sexual Offences Harm Prevention Order, which included a ban on any unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16. His address was recorded as Great North Road, Weston, near Newark. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

During his testimony, Liversidge admitted that the girl was attracted to him but claimed he wanted to “let her down” without causing her upset. He revealed that he used a false name, “Dave Baker,” during their social media interactions, and that the girl had changed her name when contacting him. The court also learned that they communicated using a secret code involving “full stops” to ensure their messages remained private. At the time of the offences, Liversidge was in a relationship and had a baby daughter.

The trial also uncovered that Liversidge maintained a dismissive stance, claiming he did nothing wrong and asserting that the allegations were “all a figment and fabrication of her imagination.” Prosecutor Mr. Janes challenged this, stating, “The girl is not the liar,” and directly addressing Liversidge, saying, “It is you.”

Evidence included a video interview with the girl, in which she recounted how Liversidge asked her, “Are you going to make the first move?” She explained that she did not think much of the comment at the time but later recalled being hugged by Liversidge and experiencing “inappropriate” touching, some of which occurred in a store room at the school. The case highlighted the disturbing breach of professional boundaries and the lasting impact on the victim’s well-being.