PAUL SMITH FROM GOSPORT AND YORK: EX-TEACHER JAILED FOR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH 15-YEAR-OLD IN YORK

In July 2007, a disturbing case of abuse involving a former teacher from York has come to light, culminating in his imprisonment and a lifetime ban from working with children. Paul Smith, aged 55, who previously held the position of acting head of information technology at Joseph Rowntree School in York, was convicted of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old pupil, a situation that has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about safeguarding in educational institutions.

According to court proceedings, Smith’s misconduct began during his tenure at the York school, where he developed a close and inappropriate relationship with the young girl. The prosecutor, Alan Mitcheson, detailed how Smith, who also maintained an address in Gosport, started to spend time with the girl during school hours, often meeting her in his office and accompanying her during lunchtimes. Their interactions extended beyond the school premises, with Smith helping her with homework and spending time together after school hours.

After Smith’s contract at the York school ended in December 2006, he secured a permanent position in Boston, Lincolnshire. Despite relocating, he made two trips back to the North York area to meet with the girl. During one of these visits, they traveled to the North York Moors, where Smith engaged in sexual touching during a day out. The prosecutor emphasized that by his second visit, Smith and the girl had developed a very close, yet highly inappropriate, relationship. Witnesses noted that Smith did nothing to discourage her feelings, and their relationship became increasingly intimate.

On one occasion, they took a walk in a field on the moors, during which Smith fondled her more intimately. The court heard that Smith was allegedly planning to pursue a long-term relationship with the girl once she reached the age of majority, which law defines as 16. This revelation came after the girl confided in another teacher at the York school, who promptly alerted the police. Smith, who was then working at another school, was arrested following the report.

Following his arrest, Smith attempted to evade authorities by going on the run, touring northern England until he was eventually apprehended. However, there was some dispute over whether he was actively fleeing or simply on leave from his job in Boston, as his employer, Anne Munday, stated that his departure was due to the end of his contract and a period of leave.

During sentencing, Judge Paul Hoffman expressed his condemnation of Smith’s actions, stating, “There is no fool like an old fool, and that label fits you. You acted in breach of trust. You were a teacher and you were more than three times her age, you knew she was vulnerable.” The judge highlighted the gravity of Smith’s breach of duty and the betrayal of trust inherent in his misconduct.

Smith admitted to two charges of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced to nine months in prison. Additionally, he was permanently barred from working with children and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such violations are treated, especially when committed by individuals entrusted with the care and education of minors. Smith’s actions have not only resulted in his imprisonment but have also irreparably damaged his professional reputation and personal integrity, leaving a community to grapple with the implications of this betrayal.