MATTHEW BARTLETT, TAMPONWORTH TEACHER, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL

In September 2009, Matthew Bartlett, a former teacher from Tamworth, was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl. During the hearing at Warwick Crown Court, Bartlett, aged 31 and residing on Peele Drive, Wilnecote, Tamworth, was visibly emotional as he stood in the dock, acknowledging his guilt. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Bartlett had pleaded guilty to a total of eleven charges, which included ten counts of sexual activity with a minor and one charge of inciting the girl to perform a sex act. His actions led to his immediate dismissal from the North Warwickshire school where he was employed at the time. The case drew attention not only because of the nature of the offenses but also due to the vulnerability of the victim involved.

Prosecutor Neil Banister detailed the circumstances surrounding the case, emphasizing that the victim was a girl with mental health issues who was undergoing treatment for depression during the period of the offenses. According to Mr. Banister, the girl had become increasingly secretive, often claiming she was out with friends or alone, but in reality, she was meeting Bartlett in private. Her mother discovered a distressing note from her daughter stating, “I hate myself. I hate my life. I have been doing something I am ashamed of,” which raised suspicions and prompted further investigation.

The sexual encounters between Bartlett and the girl reportedly became frequent and often took place at Bartlett’s home, particularly when his wife was away or out for the evening. The misconduct only came to light after West Midlands Police launched an investigation following a claim from another girl that Bartlett had sent her suggestive text messages. Bartlett, a former law student who had been working as a teacher since 2000, initially told police he was contemplating leaving his wife for the girl but denied any sexual activity had occurred. However, the girl confided in her mother about the relationship, and after Bartlett’s wife encouraged him to speak with authorities, he eventually admitted to his actions.

Defense lawyer Ben Mills argued that there was no coercion involved in the relationship. Nonetheless, Judge Richard Griffith-Jones remarked that exploiting a vulnerable individual who is uncertain about their self-worth and lavishing them with praise can be just as manipulative as coercion. The judge acknowledged Bartlett’s remorse, describing him as a “thoroughly decent man with much to offer,” but emphasized the gravity of the case. He stated that if Bartlett had not pleaded guilty, a sentence of six to seven years’ imprisonment would have been appropriate.

In addition to his prison sentence, Bartlett was prohibited from having unsupervised contact with children without parental consent and was barred from working with minors in any capacity, paid or voluntary. The judge concluded by expressing regret that Bartlett’s case had come before the court, noting his otherwise good character, but reaffirmed that the offenses were serious and warranted significant punishment.