DAVID TETLEY FROM CLECKHEATON AND LEEDS SENTENCED FOR INDECENCY WITH STUDENT

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Cleckheaton and Leeds, a teacher named David Tetley has been sentenced to two years in prison following his conviction for indecent assault on a male pupil. The incident took place at Whitcliffe Mount School in Cleckheaton, where Tetley was employed as a teacher. The events unfolded in January of the previous year, leading to a criminal investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

David Tetley, aged 35, openly acknowledged his sexuality during the trial, describing himself as a "very homosexual" individual. Despite this honesty, he vehemently denied that his actions towards the teenage boy involved any form of sexual misconduct. According to court records, Tetley claimed that he took the student into a cleaner’s room at the school and hugged him for a few minutes, asserting that the gesture was motivated by concern because the boy appeared to be feeling down. Tetley maintained that his intentions were innocent and that the physical contact was merely a friendly gesture.

However, the presiding judge at Bradford Crown Court, Judge Gerald Coles QC, was not convinced by Tetley's explanation. In his sentencing remarks, the judge stated, "What you were doing was undoubtedly, in my judgement, part of grooming that young man with a view to going very much further." The judge emphasized that he was limited to sentencing based on the actions that had been proven in court, rather than any potential future misconduct. Although no physical harm was inflicted on the victim, and the assault was halted when the boy asked him to stop, the judge made it clear that the incident could not be dismissed as trivial.

In considering the case, the court took into account the fact that Tetley had lost his teaching position and had resigned from the Boy Scouts Association, where he had been a member since childhood. The defense, represented by Jeremy Lindsey, acknowledged that Tetley regretted the incident, accepted that his actions were wrong, and recognized the emotional distress caused to the victim. Following the allegations, Tetley was suspended from his teaching duties and subsequently chose to resign from his role. The court also ordered that Tetley would be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years after his release from prison.

As part of the sentence, it was made clear that Tetley would face lifelong restrictions on contact with children and would never be permitted to teach again. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Cleckheaton and Leeds, highlighting the importance of safeguarding measures within educational and youth organizations.