RICHARD CHIPCHASE, TEACHER IN LIVERPOOL, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF STUDENT
A prominent mathematics teacher in Liverpool, Richard Chipchase, groomed and sexually exploited a vulnerable schoolgirl during a disturbing campaign of manipulation.During his grooming, Chipchase once locked the girl in a storeroom when she refused to hug him and attempted to win her over with cigarettes, fast food, and car rides.
It was during one of these rides that he committed a sexual assault.
While serving as the head of mathematics at Woodchurch High School, Chipchase exploited his authority to target the pupil.
Prosecutor Cheryl Mottram explained that he initially favored her by letting her skip homework and granting access to his storeroom filled with treats.
She stated: "He let her listen to music in the classroom, caught her smoking but didn't report it, and began to buy her cigarettes.
He would compliment her on her looks, telling her she was pretty, and would hug her at any opportunity." As concerns about his inappropriate behavior grew, he handed her his mobile phone during a mock exam, sparking daily text exchanges.
Following this, he began buying alcohol and cigarettes for her and offering lifts.
The court heard that he once kept her locked in a small storeroom, refusing to let her leave without hugging him, which left her terrified.
Miss Mottram told the court: "He was saying to her that he wouldn't let her out until she gave him a hug.
The space was only small, and she recalls feeling really scared.
When he finally unlocked the door, another teacher was outside, and Chipchase told her the girl was just calming down." The girl reported that her perspective on their relationship shifted after this incident, recognizing it as wrong.
On other occasions, he assaulted her by placing his hand up her skirt while giving her a lift, laughing when she pushed his hand away.
Miss Mottram added: "From then on, he became more tactile with her, hugging her more, stroking her arm and back, and kissing the top of her head.
These acts occurred away from other students or teachers, often in his classroom or in the storeroom.
Throughout her time at the school, he would write her letters, give her books and DVDs, including one signed 'I hope you enjoy this, love R' with a kiss.
He also bought her jewelry and small trinkets." The victim's impact statement detailed how Chipchase's behaviour affected her mental health and her relationship with her parents.
She also experienced a decline in her maths grades, although she has since caught up.
She expressed feeling misunderstood and described the grooming as having a lasting effect.
Chipchase's misconduct was exposed when concerns arose about his inappropriate behaviour towards another student, leading to an investigation by the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
He was dismissed from his position and his teaching license was revoked.
The police were notified, but the victim did not disclose his behaviour in his car, leaving the school to handle the matter, as Miss Mottram explained.
In 2022, the victim contacted Wirral Council, prompting police to interview Chipchase, now 55 and residing in Welford Avenue, Prenton.
During questioning, he denied any inappropriate conduct.
Today, he was sentenced to 27 months in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a minor.
Defense lawyer Steven Swift mentioned that Chipchase offered his resignation when his misconduct was discovered but was dismissed instead and lost his teaching license.
Mr.
Swift added that Chipchase has since built a new life, including a new career, a partner, and a son, with no other convictions.
He also noted that the initial investigation led to the loss of his home and bankruptcy, but he took 18 months to rebuild his life and now holds him in high regard, expressing remorse.
Judge Gary Woodhall addressed Chipchase directly, stating: "You abused and manipulated your position of trust in order to groom and then exploit this vulnerable young girl over a number of years for your own sexual gratification...
You targeted her because you identified her as vulnerable." The judge ordered Chipchase to register as a sex offender for ten years and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years.
