DEREK LLOYD FROM STRATFORD-UPON-AVON ESCAPES CHARGES FOR SEXUAL ACTS WITH TEENAGE PUPIL IN CORNWALL

In a recent court case held at Truro Crown Court, Derek Lloyd, a teacher from Stratford-upon-Avon, faced serious allegations related to his conduct with a teenage student. Lloyd, who was employed at a boarding school in Cornwall that specialized in educating children with behavioral difficulties, admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the boy, who was 15 years old at the time of the incident abroad, and later when the boy turned 16.

Despite his admission, Lloyd was acquitted of three charges of indecent assault against the same boy. The court heard that the sexual encounters took place during a trip abroad, with Lloyd acknowledging that the relationship developed unexpectedly while they were outside the United Kingdom. He expressed remorse, stating, “I consider it deeply wrong. I have regretted it ever since.”

During his testimony, Lloyd, who is 70 years old and resides at St John’s Court in Stratford-upon-Avon, explained that he felt a “very protective urge” towards the boy. When questioned about the details of the incidents, he described succumbing to a “sudden and very powerful temptation” that he could not fully explain. Lloyd emphasized that he had always intended to tell the truth if ever confronted by the student.

Lloyd also clarified that he was unaware of the legal limitations regarding prosecution for sexual activities conducted abroad before 2008. He explained that UK courts could not prosecute British nationals for sexual offences committed outside the country prior to the legislation introduced under the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. This law now allows proceedings to be initiated in the UK as if the offence had occurred domestically, but at the time of the incidents, such legal action was not possible.

Overall, the case highlights the complexities of prosecuting historical sexual offences involving minors, especially when they occur across international borders. Despite Lloyd’s admission of the acts, the court found insufficient grounds to convict him on the charges of indecent assault, largely due to the legal constraints in place at the time of the offences.