TERRY MANN FROM NAFFERTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH PUPIL IN EAST RIDING

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Terry Mann, a 45-year-old former teacher from Nafferton, was handed a suspended prison sentence last Friday at Hull Crown Court after admitting to serious charges involving a minor. The proceedings revealed that Mann had engaged in a long-term inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old girl, which included the creation and distribution of indecent photographs.

Details of the case indicated that Mann, who previously worked in Bridlington, was involved in activities that spanned across different locations within the East Riding. The charges against him included making indecent photographs of a child and engaging in sexual activity with the underage girl. Despite the gravity of these allegations, Judge Roger Thorn, QC, decided that a custodial sentence was not appropriate in this instance, opting instead for a 12-month prison term suspended for three years.

During the court hearing, the judge emphasized the serious breach of trust involved in Mann’s actions. He stated, “You, as a teacher, had a wholly inappropriate sexual relationship with a child in your care more than three times your junior. The fact this child consented to whatever happened is nothing to the point.” The judge further warned about the dangers inherent in the roles of those in caring professions, underscoring that such misconduct could lead to imprisonment regardless of the circumstances.

Mann, who resides at West End Falls, Nafferton, was also ordered to sign the National Sex Offenders’ Register for a decade, and he was prohibited from working with children. Additionally, his computer hard drive was to be destroyed to prevent further misuse of digital material. The court heard that despite warnings from the headteacher, Mann continued to communicate with the girl by giving her his mobile phone number and email address. The girl responded by sending him an inappropriate picture, and their conversations included discussions about sex conducted online.

Prosecutor Helen Hendry recounted that Mann claimed they shared a “special relationship” and that they were waiting until she was old enough. She also revealed that Mann had given the girl a mobile phone, storing her number under the alias “San Quentin,” a notorious prison in America, as a reflection of his fears about the potential fallout if their relationship became known. Mann admitted to topping up her mobile account multiple times, often spending between ten and twenty pounds at a time, which he said was costing him a significant amount of money.

Defense lawyer Steven Garth described Mann as an insecure and naive individual who was going through a difficult period in his life. Garth explained that Mann’s relationship with his girlfriend had ended, and he was suffering from depression, financial worries, and declining health at the time. The lawyer argued that Mann was flattered by the girl’s friendship, which unfortunately escalated into a relationship. Garth emphasized that Mann had become a “broken man,” having lost his job, reputation, and good character, and was now working part-time repairing computers on a lower income. He also acknowledged that Mann accepted he must never see the girl again to prevent further harm.

This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding the exploitation of minors and the importance of safeguarding measures within educational and caring environments. The community remains vigilant as authorities continue to address such breaches of trust and ensure justice is served.