MARK SPENDLEY FROM ROCHESTER AND SHEPPEY JAILED FOR INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP WITH PUPIL

In August 2012, a former teacher from the Rochester and Sheppey area was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being found guilty of engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor student. Mark Spendley, aged 37, who previously taught media studies at the Hundred of Hoo School near Rochester, was convicted of having a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old girl. The incident occurred after Spendley took the girl to his residence on the Isle of Sheppey while his wife was away, an act that led to serious legal consequences.

During the court proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court, it was revealed that the relationship between Spendley and the girl had evolved from a seemingly friendly and flirtatious interaction into a sexual one. The relationship was uncovered through text message exchanges, which exposed the extent of their communication. Prosecutor Oliver Dunkin explained that the girl was experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts at the time, which added a layer of concern regarding her vulnerability.

Spendley, a native of Sheppey and residing on High Street in Queenborough, admitted to having sexual activity with a child in a position of trust. The court heard that he initially made admissions to the school authorities, leading to his suspension in February of the previous year. In a statement, Spendley acknowledged that he realized the girl had developed feelings for him, and their contact became increasingly flirtatious. He even provided her with his mobile phone number, describing his actions as the worst decision he had ever made.

As the relationship progressed, Spendley became anxious and sought to end it. He agreed to meet the girl outside of school hours with the intention of terminating their text-based communication. However, instead of a simple farewell, they went to his house, where they spent time drinking wine and watching television. During this visit, Spendley asked her to stay overnight, and the two engaged in sexual intercourse. The following morning, he drove her home. The girl later stated that she had tried to persuade him to leave his wife, and she expressed feelings of betrayal and regret about the incident.

In the aftermath, Spendley sent her messages to end their relationship and even resigned from his teaching position. The girl initially hesitated to speak to police but eventually changed her mind, stating, “I still feel he took advantage of my vulnerability,” and expressing her love for him. She described the exchange of explicit texts and admitted that she responded but felt uncomfortable with the content. Reflecting on the one occasion they had sex, she said, “Now I think about it, it really disgusts me,” and emphasized her desire for justice, stating, “The reason I am making this statement is because he deserves punishment for what he has done. I don’t want other pupils to be treated in the way I have.”

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC emphasized that the relationship was based on genuine affection but was ultimately unlawful. He stated that Spendley would not be able to teach again and ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years, in addition to banning him from working with children. Following the sentencing, Dr. Gary Holden, the school's executive principal, issued a statement reaffirming the institution’s commitment to child safety. He explained that upon discovering the misconduct, the school immediately suspended Spendley and involved both police and child protection authorities. Despite his resignation offer, the school refused to accept it, prioritizing the safety of students.

Dr. Holden condemned Spendley's actions, asserting that any teacher who behaves in such a manner has no place in education. He expressed relief that the court had convicted him and confirmed that Spendley would be permanently barred from working with children and young people, underscoring the school’s dedication to maintaining a secure environment for all students.