BRIDGEND TEACHER ROBERT HANSON JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN BRISTOL
In April 2020, a serious case of grooming and sexual misconduct involving a primary school teacher from Bristol came to light, resulting in a significant legal penalty for the offender.Robert Hanson, aged 27 at the time, was employed as a Year 4 teacher at West Town Lane Primary School located in Brislington, Bristol.
His misconduct was linked to a disturbing series of events that unfolded after he met a 14-year-old girl at a gaming fair.
Following their initial face-to-face encounter, Hanson and the girl maintained contact through online messaging platforms.
The situation escalated when Hanson purchased a child's rail ticket, enabling the girl to visit him overnight.
During her visit, Hanson persuaded her to engage in sexual activities on multiple occasions, as detailed during the court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court.
Hanson, who later moved to Lindsay Close in Pencoed, Bridgend, pleaded guilty to charges of grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
The court heard that he was 27 years old at the time of the offences.
His guilty plea led to a sentencing of four years in prison, handed down by Judge Martin Picton.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, "I accept your remorse.
But you were the adult, you had the choices and you made the choices.
Now you pay the penalty for it." In addition to his prison sentence, Hanson was subjected to a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
This order prohibits him from unrestricted internet access and from having any unsupervised contact with children under 16.
Furthermore, he was barred from working with children or vulnerable adults and was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
Details of the case emerged during a hearing conducted via Skype, due to restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Prosecutor Rachel Drake explained that the victim’s mother discovered a blister pack of the morning-after pill in her daughter’s bin.
The girl claimed she had engaged in sexual activity with a peer during a sleepover, which raised concerns for her mother.
The mother confiscated her daughter’s iPhone, which contained messages between her and Hanson, including a photo of Hanson himself.
Using the phone’s passcode, the mother conducted her own investigation and found evidence linking Hanson to her daughter.
Further investigation revealed that Hanson was active on Twitter, where he was identified as a teacher working in Bristol.
The mother contacted the police after discovering messages that, a month before the girl’s 15th birthday, included her expressing that she could have gone with boys her own age but considered Hanson the best choice for her first sexual experience.
When questioned by authorities, Hanson admitted that sexual activity had taken place but claimed he was unaware that the girl was under 16.
The girl herself chose not to comment during police interviews.
Her mother provided a heartfelt impact statement, describing her feelings of shock, sickness, and fear following the incident.
She also revealed that her daughter had become depressed and isolated as a result of the trauma.
The girl shared her own account, stating that she had suffered anxiety attacks and expressed a loss of safety and confidence, saying, "I no longer feel safe in my own skin." The case highlights the serious consequences of online grooming and the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation and abuse.
