LINCOLNSHIRE TEACHER CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON BOYS

A senior school teacher from Lincolnshire named Jack Smith, aged 28, has been convicted of sexual offences involving 14 boys. Over a three-week trial at Lincoln Crown Court, he was found guilty of 39 sexual charges, including 30 sexual assaults and nine charges of sexual communication with a child. Smith, of Pleasance Way, Manby, showed little reaction as the jury returned their unanimous guilty verdicts. Judge Simon Hirst adjourned the sentencing until January 17 to allow for a probation report but warned Smith that jail time was inevitable. During the court proceedings, jurors heard that Smith began working as a probationary teacher in September 2019 and was suspended in March after allegations arose. The offences included hitting boys on the bottom, touching their waistband or in their trousers, pulling one boy toward him and touching his hip, and touching another child’s chest. Smith also engaged in conversations with boys about sexual topics, asking about masturbation, virginity, and sexual activity with girls, as well as watching pornography. Smith accepted that some of his conduct occurred but claimed it was not sexually motivated and argued the allegations were fabricated or collusive. He later admitted he did not remember many of the incidents. The court was told that Smith would not be able to work with children or vulnerable persons after sentencing, and he will need to register as a sex offender. The school name and ages of the victims remain confidential to protect their identities. The judge reminded him of these restrictions during his upcoming sentencing.