MICHAEL POOLEY SHOCKS LEEDS AND WAKEFIELD WITH SEX OFFENSES AGAINST TEENAGER

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Leeds and Wakefield, Michael Pooley, a 35-year-old science teacher, has been convicted of a series of serious sexual offenses involving a minor. The incidents, which spanned several months in 2011, have highlighted the grave breach of trust and the dangers posed by individuals in positions of authority.

Pooley’s criminal activities came to light during a court hearing at Sheffield Crown Court, where it was revealed that he had engaged in a clandestine and inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old girl, who was a student at a secondary school in West Yorkshire. The relationship reportedly began with the girl developing a crush on her teacher, which eventually escalated into a series of secret meetings and communications outside of school hours. The court heard that Pooley and the girl would meet in private, go on trips together, and even stay overnight in hotels, all while maintaining a covert relationship.

One of the most troubling aspects of the case was the use of social media by Pooley to communicate with the girl. It was disclosed that he had created two fake Facebook accounts to hide his contact with her from her parents, who were unaware of the ongoing relationship. Judge Alan Goldsack QC emphasized the severity of this breach, stating, “You had regular contact by Facebook – a social media which certainly those that sit in court regard as more harmful than helpful.”

During the proceedings, it was admitted that Pooley had physically touched the girl in a sexual manner. However, it was also made clear that there was no penetration involved, and Pooley had repeatedly dismissed the girl’s requests for him to take her virginity. He claimed he wanted to wait until she was 16, a statement that added to the complexity of the case. Pooley, who resides on Miles Hill Terrace in Potternewton, Leeds, appeared in court dressed in a dark suit, grey shirt, and a grey striped tie. He pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of child abduction.

The court was informed that Pooley took the girl on a trip to Liverpool, where they visited locations associated with The Beatles and shared a kiss. The relationship was characterized by a mutual love for the band, and Pooley even gifted her an autograph signed by George Martin, the legendary producer of The Beatles. On another occasion, the pair stayed in a Travelodge in Sheffield, further illustrating the clandestine nature of their meetings.

The girl described her feelings to police, stating, “We went from close friends to almost best friends but we were falling in love at the same time.” She also recounted conversations about marriage and children, revealing the emotional depth of their relationship. Prosecutor Laura Marshall highlighted that the girl was clear about her desire for Pooley to take her virginity, but he had told her it was a “bad idea.” Despite this, the court was shown evidence of messages indicating a reciprocal and mutual relationship, with Pooley expressing love for the girl and vice versa.

The relationship lasted from June to October 2011, including during school holidays, and had a significant emotional impact on the girl. Her father’s statement, read aloud in court, detailed the emotional and medical struggles his daughter faced following the discovery of the affair. He revealed that she had been left on anti-depressants and was unemployed due to the emotional trauma. The father expressed his anguish, saying, “We hate the fact that despite counselling, drugs and anti-depressants and the wisdom and advice of family she still has feelings for the defendant.” He described the situation as poisoning their family life and health, creating an atmosphere of grief and loss.

The girl’s headteacher described her as a “bright and highly articulate pupil,” underscoring her potential and the tragedy of her victimization. Defense lawyer Andrew Walker argued that Pooley was not a sexual predator but rather “weak-willed and foolish in the extreme,” claiming that his client had genuine affection for the girl and had lost everything because of his actions. He pleaded with the court to consider suspending the prison sentence, but Judge Goldsack was firm in his decision, emphasizing the importance of deterring such behavior among educators.

Pooley was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender. Additionally, he will be barred from working with children indefinitely, a measure aimed at protecting other potential victims. The judge made it clear that his actions represented a profound breach of trust and that such conduct must be met with severe consequences to uphold the integrity of the teaching profession and safeguard vulnerable minors.

Earlier in February 2013, Pooley had pleaded guilty to similar charges in Wakefield, where he admitted to abducting and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The court heard that he had taken the girl to Liverpool and Sheffield without lawful authority, further demonstrating a pattern of predatory behavior. The case remains ongoing, with sentencing scheduled for the following month, as authorities continue to address the full extent of Pooley’s offenses and their impact on the victims and communities involved.