CHRISTOPHER STEPHENSON'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN WESTMINSTER AND YORK

A former mathematics teacher has been sentenced to prison after engaging in a disturbing sexual relationship with a teenage student. Christopher Stephenson, whose misconduct took place in Westminster and York, exploited his position of trust to groom a girl who was only 16 years old at the time.

Stephenson, aged 32 and residing on Third Avenue in York, initiated contact with the girl through Facebook, where he began grooming her over a period of time. The relationship, which lasted approximately 18 months, developed while she was still attending Grey Coat Hospital School in Westminster, a school notable for being attended by the daughter of former Prime Minister David Cameron, Nancy Cameron.

According to court proceedings, the communication between Stephenson and the girl started after she 'poked' him on Facebook. Her father became increasingly concerned when he discovered an email exchange between them. Although Stephenson initially assured the family that their relationship was purely 'platonic,' it soon became evident that their interactions had taken a sexual turn.

The court heard that Stephenson took the girl on various outings, including day trips to London. During one such trip, they consumed alcohol together, and he later took her back to his residence in Westminster, where he put her to bed. On another occasion, he persuaded her to sleep topless in his bed, and she was later awakened by him taking a photograph of her without her top on. The girl later discovered this photograph on his mobile phone, which she had not consented to being taken.

Prosecutor Gregor McKinley detailed the disturbing incidents, including a night out in Camden, London, where they drank heavily. Afterward, Stephenson took her to his home, and the court was told that he engaged in sexual acts with her on multiple occasions. The relationship was characterized by a pattern of grooming, manipulation, and abuse of trust.

Judge Alistair McCreath, the Honorary Recorder of Westminster, presided over the case and sentenced Stephenson to 20 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust. The judge emphasized that it was clear that a teacher should not have a sexual relationship with a pupil under 18, stating, "It is not rocket science."

During the sentencing, Stephenson stood impassively in the dock as the judge delivered his verdict. The court also ordered him to sign the sex offenders' register for a period of 10 years. Given the serious nature of his actions and their repeated occurrence, the judge made it clear that the sentence could not be suspended.

This case highlights the grave breach of trust and the devastating impact such misconduct can have on young victims. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding measures within educational institutions and the need for vigilance against those who abuse their positions of authority.