CHRIS HOILE STROOD TEACHER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH STUDENT AT KING'S SCHOOL ROCHESTER

In December 2017, a teacher from Strood was sentenced to prison for engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with a pupil at the renowned King’s School in Rochester. The individual, identified as Chris Hoile, a 43-year-old educator, was convicted of multiple charges related to his misconduct involving a 17-year-old girl.

Hoile, who served as the head of history and politics at the prestigious Rochester Cathedral school, admitted to four counts of sexual activity with a minor while in a position of trust. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to two charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, also while holding a position of authority. The court heard that these offenses took place more than ten years prior to his sentencing.

Despite his admissions, Hoile denied a third charge of sexual activity with the same girl, and this particular allegation was left unresolved on the court record. The court proceedings revealed that Hoile resided on Cecil Road in Strood at the time of the trial.

Details about Hoile’s background indicate that he began teaching at King’s School in Rochester in September 2004. His academic credentials include studying history at Oxford University. Prior to his tenure at King’s, he gained teaching experience at University College School in Hampstead, north London, from 2001 to 2004, and at Hasmonean High School in Barnet from 1999 to 2000.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating that they “called for custody,” and subsequently sentenced Hoile to two years in prison. The case drew attention partly due to the school's notable alumni, which include Nobel laureate Sir Derek Barton, WWII flying ace Edward Mortlock Donaldson, former Conservative Cabinet Minister John Gummer, renowned DJ Pete Tong, and Douglas Wilson, a former Bishop of Trinidad.