TEACHER JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES
A teacher employed at a private primary school renowned for educating members of the Royal Family has been sentenced to four years in prison for child sex offenses involving girls as young as 10.Richard Wilson, aged 44, created false profiles on TikTok and initiated contact with seven minors aged between 10 and 15.
During these interactions, he asked them provocative questions like ‘are you horny?’ and used emojis and kisses, a court was told.
One victim, aged 12, was even groomed to perform a sexual act for Wilson, under the mistaken belief that he was a teenage boy from her local area.
She expressed her fears in court, stating she now worries her life will become chaotic.
Wilson, a married father of one, worked as a teacher at St George’s School Windsor Castle.
The court clarified that none of the offenses occurred on school property or involved the school community.
Following the discovery of Wilson’s crimes, the school responded swiftly by suspending him immediately, and he was permanently dismissed in December 2024, a school spokesperson confirmed.
Prosecutor Jonathan Sank outlined at Reading Crown Court that Wilson relentlessly contacted the 12-year-old victim over a span of two and a half months, from July to October 2023.
The victim’s identity remains confidential to protect her privacy.
The defendant exploited TikTok and WhatsApp platforms, adopting the alias “Harry” and claiming to be 15.
He falsely claimed to live nearby to foster a sense of familiarity and encourage ongoing communication.
Wilson forwarded a picture of his genitals and encouraged the girl to share a photo of her breast and perform sexual acts on herself.
The court heard that because TikTok lacks a feature for sending media, the conversation was shifted to WhatsApp, where Wilson persisted in sexualising the interaction, asking about her clothing and suggesting sexual acts.
The 12-year-old was inexperienced and naïve, failing to understand much of the conversation, as she told the court.
Despite her innocence, Wilson continued his requests, leading her to send a video of herself performing the act.
Her parents later discovered the messages, confiscated her phone, blocked Wilson’s number, and reported the incident to police.
Arrested on February 7, 2024, Wilson cooperated minimally during police questioning.
His phone revealed communications with six other victims within 48 hours of his arrest; however, due to the use of disappearing messages, earlier exchanges could not be conclusively identified.
Judge Jane Rowley remarked that this case might only be the surface of a broader pattern of behaviour.
She highlighted the victim’s feelings of fear, shame, and concern about her future.
Wilson faced multiple charges, including seven counts of sexual communication with a minor and one count of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
He admitted to all charges.
Andrew Rose, defending described Wilson as a respected and well-liked staff member, involved in charity work for Thames Hospice.
He acknowledged Wilson’s recent guilty pleas and consequent dismissal from the school, noting that Wilson had lost an 18-year career.
Rose asserted Wilson had shown remorse by voluntarily attending courses addressing his behaviour, which stemmed from being abused as a child himself.
The judge rejected claims that Wilson’s anxiety contributed to his actions, emphasising that many with anxiety do not commit such offenses.
In her sentence, Judge Rowley emphasised the imperative for Wilson, as an educator, to protect children.
She condemned his actions, describing his behaviour as a violation of the responsibilities and trust placed in him.
Wilson was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, and required to register as a sex offender.
A spokesman for St George’s School stated the institution was committed to safeguarding and was supporting the affected students, staff, and families after the incident.
