JAMES BOND FROM DULVERTON AND TAUNTON SENTENCED FOR SCHOOLGIRL INCIDENT

In September 2011, a serious incident involving a teacher named James Bond, who was associated with both Dulverton and Taunton, came to light, leading to his conviction and sentencing. Bond, aged 49, was caught in a classroom at Dulverton School in Somerset after school hours, engaged in an inappropriate embrace with a schoolgirl. The discovery was made by a caretaker who noticed the suspicious behavior, prompting immediate concern and subsequent investigation.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Bond had previously admitted to kissing the girl on multiple occasions. Further evidence presented in Taunton Crown Court indicated that Bond had also sent explicit videos to her and engaged in conversations via Facebook, crossing serious boundaries of professional conduct and personal morality. Bond, who resides on Normandy Way in Taunton, faced multiple charges related to his misconduct.

In total, Bond was charged with five counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to watch a sexual act. The court heard that the school’s headmaster had issued warnings to Bond regarding his interactions with the girl before the incident was uncovered. Despite these warnings, Bond continued his inappropriate relationship, which the girl later admitted began when she was a young teenager.

As a consequence of his actions, Bond lost his teaching position. He attributed his behavior to struggles with depression and heavy alcohol consumption, which he claimed contributed to his misconduct. The judge presiding over the case, Judge Graham Hume Jones, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that if Bond’s behavior had escalated further, he would have faced imprisonment.

Judge Hume Jones expressed concern over Bond’s emotional state, noting that he appeared to have significant personal issues. The judge also highlighted the importance of teachers maintaining professional boundaries and protecting vulnerable students from exploitation. He pointed out that there had been prior complaints about Bond’s conduct, yet he continued to involve the girl in his emotional difficulties, which was deeply troubling.

As part of his sentence, Bond was placed under a supervision order for three years, requiring him to be monitored and supported during this period. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years and was prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults. To ensure compliance, Bond will be fitted with an electronic monitoring tag and will be subject to a curfew for the next three months, restricting his movements and further safeguarding measures.