LONDON SCHOOL SUPPORT WORKER MICHAEL COMMETTANT JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGER
A man from south London, who previously worked as a school support worker, has been sentenced to prison following a thorough and swift investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team.Michael Commettant, who was employed as a learning behaviour mentor at a school in south London, became the subject of a police manhunt after concerns about his conduct were raised by the school authorities.
Detectives circulated a wanted notice for Commettant, prompting his arrest on Wednesday, 17 May.
The day prior, the school had reported suspicions regarding his behaviour, which led to police intervention.
Following his arrest, Commettant was taken in for questioning, during which he was formally charged two days later.
The charges included engaging in sexual activity with a minor by a person in a position of trust, as well as inciting a child to participate in sexual acts under the same circumstances.
Investigators uncovered that Commettant had established a sexual relationship with a teenage girl, prompting immediate protective measures to safeguard the victim.
A search of his residence was conducted, during which his digital devices were seized and subjected to forensic analysis.
It was revealed that he had communicated with the girl through a clandestine email account, attempting to conceal these messages from authorities.
The investigation further uncovered that Commettant had tried to hide his communications by deleting messages sent to the victim.
By examining phone records, detectives quickly pieced together the extent of his offending.
It was established that he had called the girl multiple times from a withheld number, breaching the safeguarding protocols he was supposed to follow as part of his role at the school.
During police interviews, Commettant chose to remain silent and instead provided a prepared statement denying any coercion or forcing of the girl into sexual acts.
In September 2023, Commettant pleaded guilty to all charges.
Subsequently, on Wednesday, 17 April, he appeared before Woolwich Crown Court, where he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
The investigation was led by Detective Constable Isa Hemphrey, who supported the victim and her family throughout the legal process.
Hemphrey expressed her satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the gravity of the betrayal of trust involved.
“I am very pleased with the decision of the court to jail this man, who committed an utterly disgraceful abuse of trust,” she stated.
“This individual was entrusted to support children and instead of honouring this vital role, he chose to ignore all professional boundaries and enter into a wholly inappropriate sexual relationship with a teenager.
His conduct was appalling and he quite rightly will never be able to work with children again.” Hemphrey also acknowledged the efforts of her team and colleagues, highlighting their dedication in ensuring justice was served.
She expressed hope that the case would aid the victim and her family in their journey toward recovery and moving past the traumatic experience.
Furthermore, she encouraged others who might find themselves in similar situations to have confidence in reporting such incidents to the police, assuring them that their voices matter.
Upon his release, Commettant, aged 27 and residing at St Lawrence Way, Lambeth, will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years.
He will also be under the supervision of officers from the Met’s Jigsaw team, a specialized unit responsible for managing sexual offenders in the community and taking preventative actions to reduce the risk of reoffending.
