MICHELLE BOUGOURD, DINNER LADY FROM BURNLEY, HAD SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH 15-YEAR-OLD BOY IN NELSON

In September 2006, Michelle Bougourd, a 41-year-old dinner lady from Nelson near Burnley, was ordered to register as a sex offender after engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old boy. Bougourd sent romantic texts and letters expressing her love for the teenager. The court heard that she had sex with him three times at her home during a free lesson from school. The affair ceased when they grew concerned someone might discover their relationship.

Bougourd was arrested after gossip about the affair spread within her neighborhood. A diary was subsequently found, in which she documented missing her teenage lover while he was on holiday with his parents.

At Burnley Crown Court, Bougourd, who now resides in Guernsey, tearfully admitted to sexual activity with a child. She was sentenced to a three-year supervision order and disqualified from working with children for life. Additionally, she was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for five years.

The court was told that the relationship lasted approximately two months. Prosecutor Emma Whaites explained that Bougourd allowed the boy to stay overnight at her home, although his mother believed he was sleeping in a separate bedroom.

The following month, the boy and his family went on holiday, during which he bought presents for Bougourd. His mother became increasingly uneasy about their relationship. When she confronted Bougourd, she denied any romantic involvement, and the boy was grounded. However, two days later, he sneaked out and spent the night at her place.

Later, when the boy was sleeping at his sister’s house, she searched his wallet and discovered a love letter from Bougourd. The police were called to investigate.

Defence lawyer Mark Rhind stated, “The defendant suffers from clinical depression and low self-esteem. Her thinking at the time was clearly distorted.”