DAVID WEEDON FROM WESTBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING BULLIED PUPIL IN BRISTOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, David Weedon, a 36-year-old mathematics teacher from Westbury, Wiltshire, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being found guilty of engaging in a disturbing sexual relationship with a vulnerable teenage girl. The incident, which took place over several months, involved grooming and sexual activity with a 16-year-old pupil who was subjected to severe bullying at her school.

According to court records, Weedon first initiated contact with the girl in March 2007, shortly after she was transferred into his tutor group due to the emotional distress caused by relentless bullying. The girl, then only 15 years old, was struggling with self-harm and feelings of isolation. Weedon, who was married and a father of four, exploited her vulnerability by reaching out through MSN Messenger, a popular online messaging platform at the time.

As their online communication progressed, Weedon encouraged the girl to create a Yahoo email account, where he continued to send her explicit messages. Over the course of their four-month affair, Weedon manipulated the girl into sending lewd emails and eventually engaged in sexual acts with her in a school mathematics cupboard on multiple occasions. The relationship only came to light after the girl, now 16, confided in friends and tutors at her new college, revealing the extent of her interactions with Weedon.

Following her disclosures, Weedon was arrested in February 2008. During police interviews, he admitted to having sex with the girl, claiming that she threatened to self-harm if he ended their relationship. Prosecutor Hannah Squires described the victim's account, stating that she felt special and cared for by Weedon, who made her feel good about herself amid her bullying ordeal. She also explained that the sexual encounters mainly took place in the school’s maths cupboard, which Weedon had created opportunities for, highlighting the calculated nature of his misconduct.

Judge David Ticehurst, presiding over the case at Bristol Crown Court, condemned Weedon’s actions, labeling him a 'sexual predator.' In his sentencing remarks, the judge emphasized the tragic nature of the case, not only for the victim but also for Weedon’s family. He pointed out that Weedon, who held a position of responsibility as a teacher, had lost his reputation, his employment, and nearly his family due to his actions. The judge also ordered Weedon to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years and placed him under a Sexual Offenders Prevention Order, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes.

Rob Ross, representing Weedon, acknowledged the gravity of his misconduct and expressed remorse, noting that Weedon was genuinely sorry for his actions. He also highlighted the devastation faced by Weedon’s family, who were shocked and dismayed upon learning of his behavior. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable students and the devastating consequences of abuse of trust by those in positions of authority.