ANDREW HUNTER, FORMER WIRRAL SCHOOLTEACHER, JAILED IN LIVERPOOL FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS

In February 2010, Andrew Hunter, a 27-year-old ex-Wirral schoolteacher and choirmaster, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for engaging in sex offences involving two underage girls.

Judge John Phipps stated in Liverpool Crown Court, "This was a repeated course of conduct involving two girls. It cannot be regarded as impulsive or a momentary lapse. It was a course of conduct over several months. Girls of this age need mature guidance from adults, and you as a teacher should have been particularly aware of that."

Hunter, who has since become engaged to another woman, appeared at the hearing showing no emotion as he was led to the cells. He is described as a bespectacled bachelor.

At the time of the offences, Hunter served as a teacher at South Wirral High School in Eastham and was also a choir master at St Mary’s Church in Walton. However, the victims were not pupils or choir members.

Prosecutor Anya Horwood revealed that the mother of a 14-year-old victim was concerned about Hunter's overly attentive behavior towards her daughter. The mother observed that some girls in the church choir "were in awe of him, fluttering their eye lashes at him."

In January 2008, the mother discovered her daughter messaging Hunter via her computer. She saw a message from Hunter asking if she still had "a crush" on him. Her mother advised her to reply that he was too old and asked if anything had happened; the girl replied that nothing had.

Later that year, the 14-year-old girl traveled to Derbyshire with her friend, the 15-year-old victim, and her parents. Hunter turned up by arrangement to pick them up and that night, he engaged in sexual misconduct with both girls, including molesting the younger girl under a duvet, Horwood explained.

The next month, the mother reviewed MSN messages from Hunter, which included instructions on how to delete messages. Confronted, her daughter confessed to the offences. She later informed police, and the other girl was also interviewed, maintaining that nothing had happened between her and Hunter.

Police arrested Hunter on July 11. When his computer was examined, police discovered indecent thumbnail photographs, including one of the 15-year-old victim. The older girl was re-interviewed and admitted that she had not been truthful earlier because she was frightened of Hunter. She revealed that she had sexual intercourse with Hunter three times at her home and once at his residence, which she was allowed to visit because he shared the home with a police officer.

Defence lawyer Keiran Fielding stated that Hunter, who has no previous convictions, did not have an inherent attraction to children. He explained that Hunter’s relationship with the older girl developed because she became his "sounding board and confidante" due to his personal and financial difficulties.

Mr. Fielding acknowledged that Hunter’s actions had destroyed his career, brought shame to himself and his family, and that he was suspended from teaching after the offences. The court was told that Hunter understands he will never work with children again.

Judge Phipps ordered Hunter to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and imposed an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from being alone with children. Hunter is also required to register any computer or phone with a camera and internet access with the police.

Hunter, of Rosemary Lane, Formby, pleaded guilty to multiple charges: sexual activity with the 14-year-old, four similar offences involving the other girl, inciting sexual activity, and possessing ten indecent photographs. The offences took place between December 1, 2007, and May 30, 2008.