TEACHER DAVID TIMMINS OF TELFORD JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In January 2013, David Timmins, a 41-year-old history teacher at Ercall Wood Technology College in Telford, Shrops., was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a girl under 16. Timmins, who was responsible for the school's child protection unit and held a pastoral role, exploited his position of trust in a series of troubling incidents involving a vulnerable 15-year-old student.

The court heard that Timmins initially formed a relationship with the girl by discussing shared interests such as history, music, and experiences of being bullied at school. Over time, their interactions intensified, with Timmins meeting the girl before and after school, and during break times. He would kiss her on the lips and, during their exchanges, he touched her vaginal area over and under her clothing inside his office.

According to the victim, Timmins had contact with her both in and out of school hours, including during her work experience where he kissed and hugged her. She told police he pressured her into physical intimacy, and she described how he talked about eloping and future plans, even claiming they loved each other.

Timmins's inappropriate conduct first came to light when he mistakenly emailed a former pupil instead of the intended recipient. The former pupil, now at university, noticed the error and later reported her concerns to the school after discussing rumors about the teacher with friends over the summer. She later contacted the headteacher, revealing the emails and her suspicions.

Prosecutor Robert Edwards stated, “This matter first came to light when she received two emails from the defendant. It was immediately obvious to her there had been a mistake. Later that day, she received an email asking her to delete the emails. She was away at university at the time, and upon her return, she discussed the rumors with friends, leading her to contact the headteacher.”

Police investigations revealed that Timmins had tried to maintain contact with the girl via Facebook after initial disclosures. During subsequent interviews, the victim confirmed that Timmins was the main instigator, touching her on multiple occasions and discussing future plans to run away together.

Timmins's actions led to his arrest and re-arrest; initially released on bail, he was detained again after attempting to contact the girl through social media. At sentencing, Judge Robin Onions emphasized the breach of trust, stating, “You were in a position of trust as a teacher and a pastoral manager, which makes your behavior all the more serious. The victim was only 15, vulnerable due to her age, experience, and history of bullying. Your actions have severely damaged your career and reputation.”

During the hearing, Timmins admitted to three counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 and accepted full responsibility. He was ordered to register as a sex offender and is barred from working with children for life.

Earlier in December 2012, Timmins, of Dyffryn Foel, Llansantffraid, Powys, had pleaded guilty to the same charges relating to the same victim, with offenses committed between March 1 and September 10 of that year. The case was scheduled for sentencing in January 2013, and Timmins had been suspended from his role at the school since allegations surfaced.

Timmins, originally from Oswestry, qualified as a teacher in 1997 after studying at Swansea University and served as a Pupil Progress Manager and senior management team member at Ercall Wood last academic year, with responsibilities including behavior, attendance, and child protection.