DIANE PULLAR CHATTES PRIMARY SCHOOL ASSISTANT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IN CHATTES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chatteris, a woman identified as Diane Pullar has been sentenced to six years in prison for engaging in sexual activities with a 12-year-old boy. The incident, which took place over a span of several months, involved multiple instances of inappropriate conduct and has led to a comprehensive legal crackdown on Pullar's actions.

Pullar, aged 32 and a mother of two, was employed as a primary school playtime assistant at Glebelands Primary School in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. Her relationship with the young boy reportedly began after she met him through a mutual acquaintance, a friend of her daughter. Over the course of approximately four months, Pullar engaged in at least five sexual encounters with the boy, which included activities in various locations such as a tent during a children's party, woodland areas, and her own living room.

The court heard that Pullar maintained a close and inappropriate relationship with the boy, often sending him affectionate text messages. One such message read, 'Love you loads, remember to delete this, kiss, kiss, kiss.' Her actions extended beyond messaging, as she once straddled him on a trampoline with her cleavage exposed, further blurring the boundaries of appropriate conduct.

The sexual encounters were described as consensual but deeply troubling, with the pair engaging in sexual activity in private settings, including a tent at a children's gathering and secluded woodland areas. The relationship was characterized by the court as a serious breach of trust, especially considering Pullar's role as a figure of authority and care within the community.

The case came to light when a friend of Pullar walked in on her and the boy, who was then 12, engaged in a semi-naked state on her sofa at her residence. The victim, now 13, testified that he felt a sense of guilt following their sexual encounters. He recounted that Pullar had expressed her attraction to him for about a month prior to their first sexual activity, which took place after they watched horror films like 'Saw' on her laptop. He described how she was kind and told him how attractive he was, but also admitted feeling guilty afterward.

Prosecutor Claire Matthews outlined the details of the case during the trial, emphasizing that Pullar was involved in a 'full-blown sexual relationship' with the boy. The court was informed that she regularly collected him from school in her car and maintained contact through numerous text messages, which further indicated the inappropriate nature of their relationship.

Following a ten-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court, Pullar was convicted in January on six charges related to child sexual offenses. The judge, Anthony Bate, delivered the sentence, condemning her actions and highlighting the significant harm caused to the young victim and his family. Judge Bate emphasized that Pullar posed a 'high risk of serious harm to boys' and ordered her to be supervised by probation services for four years after her release. Additionally, she was placed under a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits her from having unsupervised contact with any child under 16 who is not her relative. Her name will also be permanently registered on the sex offenders' register, and she will be listed on a local authority database of individuals barred from working with children and in educational settings.

During the sentencing, Pullar was visibly distressed, sobbing as the verdict was read. Her actions have left a lasting impact on the community of Chatteris, raising concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation and abuse.