July 2022 Kington teacher jailed for sex chats with teenage girl A teacher from Herefordshire has been jailed for 12 months after sending an explicit picture to a schoolgirl.  Worcester Crown Court heard how Ioan Hughes, 35, had caused the victim to suffer psychologically after sending the messages over an 11-month period. Prosecution barrister Michael Aspinall said the teacher of 12 years had messaged the underage pupil online and said he was lying in bed and really aroused. He sent a naked picture with just a towel around his waist – but Mr Aspinall said it was “clear he was aroused”. He also sent other similar messages to the teenage girl, who can’t be named for legal reasons. After being confronted by one of the girl’s family members, Mr Aspinall said Hughes initially tries to justify his actions by saying it was “nothing anyone couldn’t see in a swimming pool” and he “begged” that the messages weren’t reported to police. The victim broke down in tears as she read a statement, telling the court of the sleepless nights and mental health problems. Judge Jim Tindal told the victim she had no reason to carry guilt and she had done nothing wrong, reassuring her that things will improve in time. Turning to Hughes, the judge said he had come close to destroying the victim and was only thinking about his own gratification. He said it was a significant breach of trust and as a teacher he should have been there to support vulnerable children, not to exploit them. The judge said the damage done was so serious that only immediate custody was suitable, sentencing Hughes to 12 months in prison for engaging in sexual communication with a child under 16. He must also sign the sex offender register for 10 years, be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years and pay costs and a surcharge.