MICHAEL FLOREK FROM EASTINGTON CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

A 64-year-old driving instructor named Michael Florek, hailing from the village of Eastington in Gloucestershire, has been found guilty of committing serious sexual offenses against multiple female students during driving lessons in the Stroud area.

The court proceedings revealed that Florek engaged in inappropriate physical contact with five young women, all of whom were between the ages of 17 and 19 at the time of the incidents. These women reported that during their lessons, Florek would brush his arm and hand against their breasts and would sometimes place his hand on their legs, actions that clearly crossed professional boundaries and constituted sexual assault.

Despite Florek’s insistence that any physical contact was accidental, he attempted to justify his actions by claiming they occurred during routine teaching activities, such as clutch control or emergency steering maneuvers. However, the court found that his conduct extended beyond mere accidental contact, as he also made sexually inappropriate remarks and posed personal and sexual questions to his students during their lessons. These behaviors contributed to the court’s decision to convict him of five counts of sexual assault.

The crimes spanned a period of five years, with the incidents occurring across Gloucestershire, specifically in the Stroud area. The case was heard at Cheltenham Magistrates Court, where Florek was convicted on 13 September. Subsequently, on 17 October, the case was taken to Gloucester Crown Court, which handed down a sentence of 14 months in jail. However, this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning Florek will not serve time unless he commits further offenses within that period.

In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Florek was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service, pay £650 in prosecution costs, and participate in 30 days of rehabilitative programs aimed at addressing his behavior. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also issued against him, requiring him to disclose details of any vehicles he owns or has access to, to the police. Furthermore, Florek will be listed on the Sex Offenders' Register for the next ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Gloucestershire Police’s Sergeant Hutton praised the victims for their courage in coming forward, emphasizing that their bravery has contributed significantly to making the community safer. He highlighted the importance of holding offenders accountable and encouraged others who may have experienced similar abuse to report it to authorities. Sgt Hutton reaffirmed the police’s commitment to supporting victims and taking decisive action against sexual offenses, underscoring the importance of community safety and justice.