KEYNSHAM SCHOOL ASSISTANT IAN PAYTER JAILED FOR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH VULNERABLE PUPIL IN BRISTOL

In February 2012, Ian Payter, a learning assistant based in Keynsham, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old pupil. The court heard that Payter, a married man and father of three, exploited his position of trust to coerce and manipulate the vulnerable girl, who was suffering from anorexia, into maintaining their clandestine affair.

Judge Michael Longman addressed Payter directly, noting the emotional impact of his actions. Tearful, Payter was told, "You must have realised how inappropriate this relationship was," and was reminded that there could never have been a truly consensual or informed relationship between an adult and a minor. The judge emphasized the severity of the breach of trust and the harm caused.

Payter, aged 38 and a resident of Keynsham, was described by friends and colleagues as a highly regarded individual. However, he admitted to four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 18 while in a position of authority. The prosecution, led by Jason Taylor, outlined that Payter was employed as an education learning assistant at a Bristol school dedicated to children with medical or mental health issues.

According to the prosecutor, Payter began spending increasing amounts of time with one particular girl, who was 21 years his junior. He would often give her lifts home after work, and staff at the school noticed changes in her appearance and behavior. She started dressing provocatively and wearing more makeup, raising concerns among staff members.

Mr. Taylor revealed that Payter had sent numerous text messages to the girl, some of which contained sexually explicit content. Additionally, Payter had threatened self-harm if she chose to end their relationship, further demonstrating the manipulative nature of his conduct.

During a one-on-one session, the girl confided in a tutor that she had a boyfriend who was significantly older. This information was subsequently passed to social services, prompting further investigation. The school’s head teacher also became concerned and convened a meeting to reinforce staff expectations regarding appropriate behavior.

Payter, who was not present at the meeting but had read the minutes, appeared to be visibly concerned. The court heard that when the head teacher learned of Payter’s marital problems and that he had been sleeping in his car, he was removed from his role through the agency he was working with. The girl’s parents also became involved when she introduced Payter to them; they asked him to leave their home, and she was seen crying, expressing her love for him. A week later, Payter was reported to the police.

Prosecutor Taylor explained that the relationship and its fallout had severely impacted the girl’s mental health, leading her to self-harm and attempt suicide. While the prosecution acknowledged that there was some degree of consent from the girl, the court recognized the manipulative and coercive elements involved.

In mitigation, lawyer Tabitha Macfarlane admitted that Payter’s actions were disgraceful and had let down his wife, children, and family. She also noted that at one point, the relationship was characterized by genuine affection. She argued that Payter’s life had been profoundly affected by his own foolish decisions and that he was genuinely remorseful.

Despite his previously positive reputation as an honest and trustworthy family man, and his involvement in local cricket clubs in Keynsham and Whitchurch, the judge emphasized the devastating impact of his actions on the victim. As part of his sentence, Payter was banned from working with children, ordered to register as a sex offender, and required to comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, underscoring the seriousness of his misconduct.