KEITH FLETCHER SCARBOROUGH SCHOOL TEACHER JAILED FOR PERVERTED CRIMES

In a case that has shocked the community of Scarborough, Keith Fletcher, a 57-year-old former physical education teacher, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed over a span of several years. The crimes, which came to light through a series of revelations and investigations, involved multiple victims and highlighted the grave abuse of trust by someone in a position of authority.

Keith Fletcher’s criminal activities primarily took place between 1975 and 1983, during which he engaged in a pattern of indecent assaults and sexual misconduct involving young girls, some of whom were students at the school where he taught. The allegations include persuading two sisters, aged 13 and 15, to participate in group sexual activity with him on one occasion. Prosecutor Rachel Harrison detailed that Fletcher had also subjected these girls to physical abuse, whipping them with a belt and tying one of them to a bed during sexual encounters. The older sister, who confided in Fletcher after revealing she had been abused by another man, was manipulated into denying their relationship when school authorities became aware of rumors, with Fletcher instructing her to lie and only perform errands for him.

Further disturbing incidents involved Fletcher having sex with another 15-year-old pupil after meeting her while she was drinking underage at a local pub, accompanied by a friend. Additionally, he was accused of groping a fourth girl outside the school premises during a school disco. It was noted that all but the fourth girl were students at the school where Fletcher was employed, raising serious concerns about the abuse of his professional position.

The case was brought to public attention when the fourth girl discovered, through the internet, that Fletcher was still teaching at the same school in Scarborough. She then reported her findings to the police, which led to a thorough investigation. Fletcher, who resided on Hampton Road in Scarborough, was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and one charge of indecency with a child. These offenses were committed over a period spanning nearly a decade, and the maximum sentence for each was two years. However, Fletcher also admitted to a more serious sexual offense, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Following his conviction, Fletcher was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and received an indefinite ban from any contact with girls under the age of 16, except under strictly supervised conditions. The school where Fletcher had worked dismissed him immediately after his arrest. The judge, Chris Batty, emphasized that Fletcher exploited his role as a teacher to satisfy his sexual desires, showing a blatant disregard for the innocence and vulnerability of the young girls involved. The judge also acknowledged Fletcher’s standing in the community, describing him as a highly respected individual prior to these revelations.

Detective Inspector Andrea Kell commented on the case, praising the victims for their courage in coming forward and reporting the abuse. North Yorkshire County Council’s corporate director for education, Cynthia Welbourn, reiterated the importance of child protection and safeguarding, emphasizing that the authorities take such matters extremely seriously. The court proceedings revealed that the victims, especially the older sister, continued to suffer from the effects of the abuse long after the incidents, underscoring the lasting impact of Fletcher’s actions.