RICHARD CHIPCHASE PRENTON TEACHER GROOMS AND SEXUALLY EXPLOITS SCHOOLGIRL IN LIVERPOOL

In April 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Richard Chipchase, a former mathematics teacher at Woodchurch High School, who was found guilty of grooming and sexually abusing a vulnerable schoolgirl in the Prenton area near Liverpool. The details of the case reveal a calculated campaign of manipulation and exploitation carried out over an extended period, during which the teacher abused his trusted position to prey on a young student.

According to court proceedings, Chipchase initially singled out the girl for special treatment, allowing her to skip homework assignments and granting her access to a storeroom filled with treats such as cigarettes and fast food from McDonald's. This preferential treatment was part of his grooming strategy, which gradually escalated into more sinister acts. Prosecutor Cheryl Mottram described how Chipchase would indulge the girl with music in class, overlook her smoking, and even buy her cigarettes, all while complimenting her appearance and offering frequent hugs, creating an environment of inappropriate closeness.

The situation worsened when concerns about his conduct arose. During a mock exam, Chipchase passed her his mobile phone, initiating a series of daily text conversations that would become increasingly inappropriate. As these exchanges continued, he began providing her with alcohol and cigarettes, and offering her lifts in his car. One particularly distressing incident involved him refusing to let her leave a storeroom without giving him a hug, which left her feeling terrified. Miss Mottram explained that Chipchase told her he wouldn’t let her out until she complied, and when she finally managed to escape, another teacher was waiting outside. The girl later recounted feeling genuinely scared during this ordeal, and her perception of their relationship changed, recognizing it as wrong.

Further allegations revealed that Chipchase had placed his hand up her skirt and assaulted her while giving her a lift, laughing dismissively when she pushed him away. Over time, his behavior became more overtly tactile, involving frequent hugs, arm and back strokes, and even kisses on her head. These acts were always carried out in private settings, away from the watchful eyes of other students and staff, such as in a classroom or a storeroom. The teacher also maintained a pattern of sending her letters, giving her books and DVDs, and even inscribing a book with a personal message and a kiss, along with small gifts like jewelry and trinkets.

The victim later provided an impact statement, describing how Chipchase’s actions had severely affected her mental health and strained her relationship with her parents. She also noted a decline in her academic performance, particularly in mathematics, although she has since managed to catch up. She expressed feelings of isolation, stating that she felt misunderstood and that the grooming had long-lasting effects on her well-being.

The teacher’s misconduct was eventually uncovered when concerns arose about his inappropriate behavior towards another student. This prompted an investigation by the Independent Safeguarding Authority, leading to Chipchase’s dismissal from the school and the revocation of his teaching license. Although police were informed, the victim did not disclose the abuse that occurred in his car, leaving the matter primarily within the school’s jurisdiction, as explained by Miss Mottram.

In 2022, the victim contacted Wirral Council, and police subsequently interviewed Chipchase, who was then 55 years old and residing on Welford Avenue in Prenton. During the interview, he denied any inappropriate conduct. However, he later pleaded guilty to four charges of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Judge Gary Woodhall condemned his actions, stating that Chipchase had exploited his position of trust to groom and sexually abuse the girl over several years for his own gratification. The judge also ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years, emphasizing the severity of his misconduct.