TEACHER WROTE LOVE POEMS TO SCHOOLGIRL AND KISSED HER IN HIS CAR
A schoolteacher from St Helens has been convicted of grooming and indecently assaulting an underage pupil.The offences, which occurred over a period of more than a year from 1996 to 1997, only came to public attention many years later when the survivor reported the incidents to police.
Paul Daw, aged 55, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing after admitting to four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16.
Prosecutor Martine Snowdon explained that Daw had initially engaged in grooming the girl, who was described as shy and sensitive, when he was around 29 or 30 years old.
His early actions included lending her books and CDs and making compliments.
As she reached 15, his behaviour became more physical, involving hugging and kissing her.
Ms Snowdon further stated that Daw had started walking her home and, on some occasions, passionately kissed her while in a car.
The victim admitted she was shocked but went along with it at the time.
Daw also told her he was falling in love and composed love poems for her.
She eventually ended the relationship at age 16, feeling she could not continue.
Sixteen years after the incidents, Daw appeared in court in December 2013, having pleaded guilty to filming indecent images of young girls changing at his then-employment school in Wirral and teenagers shopping in Liverpool.
He received a suspended sentence for these offences.
It was during this case that the victim decided to report Daw to the police.
In her impact statement, the former pupil explained that his actions had left her withdrawn, isolated, anxious, and nervous, contributing to mental health challenges for which she has now been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome.
Defence solicitor Peter Killen expressed remorse, highlighting Daw’s longstanding mental health issues including OCD, anxiety, and depression.
He described Daw as living a reclusive life at home, heavily affected by his past actions, and noted that his marriage had ended following the revelations, with his current contact with his children limited to phone calls.
Judge Recorder Andrew McLoughlin addressed Daw directly, stating that the victim's life had been in turmoil since the offences.
He criticised Daw for leading an almost hermit-like existence due to his own actions, despite his potential to contribute positively through his teaching career.
Daw of Higher Lane, Rainford, was sentenced to 28 months in prison, with half of that to be served before release on licence.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
