NORFOLK PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER SHAUN CALVER JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCE NEAR WATTON

In May 2014, Shaun Calver, a 42-year-old primary school teacher from Ashill, near Watton, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and placed on the sex offenders’ register after being found guilty of breaching his trust by engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl. The court heard that Calver knew such actions would effectively end his career if exposed.

Prosecutor John Farmer explained that Calver, who was employed at Ashill Primary School, arranged to meet the girl on school grounds when no other staff or students were present. Initially, the girl believed others would be present, but upon arriving, she found only Calver at the site. He then engaged in sexual activity with her, the court heard.

Following the incident, Calver continued messaging the girl with sexually explicit texts and warned her, saying, “It’s a death sentence if I get caught.” The girl, described as sexually inexperienced, confided in her family about what had transpired, prompting police involvement.

In her impact statement, the girl shared that the incident had left her feeling “stressed out” and had “changed who she was.”

Calver, of Verbena, Wymondham, admitted to breaching his position of trust. During the trial, Lawrence Bruce, defending Calver, stated that due to his conviction, Calver had lost his employment and had subsequently been divorced by his wife. Bruce explained, “If he had not met her on school premises where he was working as a teacher, there would have been nothing wrong. It was because he was in a position of trust.” He added that Calver was remorseful and felt ashamed.

Judge Nicholas Coleman sentenced Calver to 10 months in prison and also imposed a sexual offences prevention order. Addressing Calver in court, the judge said, “You were in a position of trust when you abused that position and engaged in sexual activity.” He emphasized the girl’s vulnerability: “She was much younger than you and sexually inexperienced. The case makes clear that you planned to lure her to the school when no one else was there.”

The judge noted Calver’s own awareness of the consequences when he texted the girl that it would be the “kiss of death” if their actions were ever discovered.

Following the case, Ashill’s headteacher, Kelly Scott, reported that Calver had been suspended immediately once the allegations surfaced and was no longer employed at the school.