PAUL SAUNDERS FROM POLRESWORTH AND TAMWORTH JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING PUPIL

In August 2010, a serious case of misconduct involving a schoolteacher from Staffordshire came to light, culminating in his imprisonment. Paul Saunders, a science teacher who had been employed at Polesworth High School in Dordon, near Tamworth, was convicted of engaging in inappropriate sexual activities with a 15-year-old former pupil. Saunders, aged 25 and residing in Cowley, Lakeside, Tamworth, admitted to the charges during his court hearing at Warwick Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with the girl.

Following his guilty plea, Saunders was sentenced to six months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years and was placed under a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO), which restricts his contact with minors. The court's decision underscores the severity of his actions and the breach of trust involved.

Prosecutor Vicki Lofrese provided detailed context about Saunders' employment history. She explained that Saunders had initially worked as a trainee teacher at a secondary school in Tamworth for a year before leaving in July 2008. He subsequently took up a teaching position at Polesworth High School in September of the same year. During the summer holiday prior to his employment at Polesworth, Saunders had given the girl his mobile phone number, claiming it was so she could inform him of her exam results after they had coincidentally met. It was also revealed that Saunders had done the same with other former pupils, indicating a pattern of inappropriate contact.

According to the prosecutor, the communication between Saunders and the girl escalated over time. They exchanged text messages and messages via instant messaging platforms, which became increasingly flirtatious and sexually suggestive. The situation culminated in Saunders inviting the girl to his home in November 2008, where he proceeded to kiss and fondle her. The girl did not disclose the incident immediately; instead, she kept it secret for a year. It was only after she broke down in tears and confided in her mother, who was also a teacher, that the police were contacted.

Following the investigation, Saunders was arrested in March of the current year. During questioning, he admitted that sexual activity had taken place but claimed he was no longer her teacher at the time and believed she was 16 years old. His defense lawyer, Darron Whitehead, described his actions as a “substantial error of judgment.” Whitehead also highlighted that Saunders had previously been recognized for his high standard of teaching, as evidenced by a positive reference from the headteacher at Polesworth. However, the court acknowledged that Saunders’ misconduct had irreparably damaged his career ambitions.

Judge Richard Griffith-Jones addressed Saunders directly, emphasizing the importance of integrity and trust in the teacher-student relationship. He stated, “Parents send their children to school every day, and they have to know that the teachers those children are going to often look up to have to have complete integrity in the relationship they have with those children.”

As part of the court’s ruling, Saunders was prohibited from engaging in any activity or employment that could bring him into contact with children for the next ten years under the terms of the SOPO. It was also noted that Saunders faced a further charge of sexual activity with another 15-year-old girl in August of the previous year, which he denied. This charge was allowed to remain on the court record without further proceedings at this time.