MICHAEL FULLER SENTENCED IN WARE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS AT LOCAL SCHOOL
| Red Rose Database
Ware Sexual Abuser
In March 2006, a tragic case of child sexual abuse unfolded in Ware, Hertfordshire, involving Michael Fuller, a 42-year-old mathematics teacher. Fuller was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and criminal conduct with ten young boys over a period spanning from December 2004 to July of the previous year. The offences took place within the confines of the school premises, including classrooms, a changing room, and even a cupboard, highlighting the disturbing breach of trust committed by the accused.
Fuller, who resided on Trapstyle Road in Ware, admitted to a total of 22 separate offences involving the ten boys. His actions prompted a swift legal response, culminating in his appearance at St Albans Crown Court. During the sentencing hearing, Mrs. Justice Rafferty sentenced Fuller to three years in prison, a decision that drew criticism from the victims' families and the police alike. The judge acknowledged that Fuller’s conduct represented a serious breach of trust, which significantly aggravated the severity of his sentence.
Despite the gravity of the offences, the judge did not deem Fuller to be dangerous, a point that was met with disappointment from the families present in court. Keith Tilley, an officer leading the Hertfordshire police child abuse unit, expressed his discontent, stating, “The maximum sentence for these offences is 14 years — he received only three. I would be lying if I did not say I was disappointed.” Tilley emphasized the seriousness of the abuse, which had a profound impact on the victims.
Mrs. Justice Rafferty highlighted that some of the young victims had managed to move past their trauma with the support of their families, but others continued to be affected by Fuller’s actions. She remarked, “You committed a breach of trust which mightily aggravates the sentence of the court.” The judge also acknowledged the emotional toll on the victims and their families, noting that each parent likely felt the sentence was inadequate, but that the court had to adhere to legal standards.
Prosecutor Viv Goddard provided background on Fuller’s employment, revealing that he had joined the school in 2003. The offences spanned nearly a year and a half, from late 2004 to mid-2006. Fuller’s defense, represented by Freya Rowe, pointed out that Fuller had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had already spent 187 days in custody awaiting sentencing. Rowe also mentioned that Fuller was deeply remorseful about the impact of his actions on his family and was actively seeking to change his name by deed poll to distance himself from his past.
In addition to his prison sentence, Fuller’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register, and he will be permanently barred from working with children. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of breaches of trust by individuals in positions of authority, especially within educational environments. The community in Ware and the wider Hertfordshire area continues to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing case, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding measures and vigilance against such misconduct.
Fuller, who resided on Trapstyle Road in Ware, admitted to a total of 22 separate offences involving the ten boys. His actions prompted a swift legal response, culminating in his appearance at St Albans Crown Court. During the sentencing hearing, Mrs. Justice Rafferty sentenced Fuller to three years in prison, a decision that drew criticism from the victims' families and the police alike. The judge acknowledged that Fuller’s conduct represented a serious breach of trust, which significantly aggravated the severity of his sentence.
Despite the gravity of the offences, the judge did not deem Fuller to be dangerous, a point that was met with disappointment from the families present in court. Keith Tilley, an officer leading the Hertfordshire police child abuse unit, expressed his discontent, stating, “The maximum sentence for these offences is 14 years — he received only three. I would be lying if I did not say I was disappointed.” Tilley emphasized the seriousness of the abuse, which had a profound impact on the victims.
Mrs. Justice Rafferty highlighted that some of the young victims had managed to move past their trauma with the support of their families, but others continued to be affected by Fuller’s actions. She remarked, “You committed a breach of trust which mightily aggravates the sentence of the court.” The judge also acknowledged the emotional toll on the victims and their families, noting that each parent likely felt the sentence was inadequate, but that the court had to adhere to legal standards.
Prosecutor Viv Goddard provided background on Fuller’s employment, revealing that he had joined the school in 2003. The offences spanned nearly a year and a half, from late 2004 to mid-2006. Fuller’s defense, represented by Freya Rowe, pointed out that Fuller had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had already spent 187 days in custody awaiting sentencing. Rowe also mentioned that Fuller was deeply remorseful about the impact of his actions on his family and was actively seeking to change his name by deed poll to distance himself from his past.
In addition to his prison sentence, Fuller’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register, and he will be permanently barred from working with children. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of breaches of trust by individuals in positions of authority, especially within educational environments. The community in Ware and the wider Hertfordshire area continues to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing case, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding measures and vigilance against such misconduct.