HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER DAVID REAPER JAILED IN HALTON FOR SEX OFFENCES

In November 2003, a high school teacher named David Reaper was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of indecent assault involving two vulnerable pupils who sought his help.

Reaper, aged 56, who had been employed at a school in Halton since 1978, was also prohibited from working with children in the future and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Reaper, a former councillor for Vale Royal Borough and Kingsley parish, admitted to befriending two boys facing family difficulties. One of the victims was just 13 years old and was described as being 'devastated' after the death of his grandfather.

It was revealed that Reaper had visited the boy’s home to speak with his mother regarding his struggles. On May 16, 2003, Reaper contacted her to seek permission to take her son out for a meal, intending to encourage the boy to open up.

He drove the child to Helsby Hill and walked with him toward a pond, where he indecently assaulted him. Prosecutor Simon Mills told Chester Crown Court that the boy asked Reaper to stop, which he did, but he was left in distress and under Reaper’s control.

Afterward, they went to the White Lion pub in Alvanley. The young boy tried to pretend he needed to go to the toilet but instead escaped the pub and ran to a nearby bed and breakfast run by Pam Toler, who then contacted the boy’s mother.