RONALD COX'S SHAMEFUL FALL FROM TEACHING IN DEAL AND RAMSGATE

In November 2004, the career of Ronald Cox, a mathematics teacher from Ramsgate, was irrevocably damaged due to his inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old girl at a school in Deal. The incident not only led to his resignation but also resulted in criminal charges that highlighted the severity of his misconduct.

Details emerged during a court hearing at Canterbury Crown Court, revealing that Cox's inappropriate conduct was discovered on multiple occasions. A school secretary and a 13-year-old student both witnessed compromising situations involving Cox and the girl. On one such occasion, the secretary observed Cox and the girl in a cupboard within a classroom, where Cox had his hands on her hips. The secretary perceived the girl as a willing participant, which added to the gravity of the situation. Shortly after, Cox requested the secretary to type his resignation letter, but she refused, leading to his suspension from the school.

Further incidents came to light when the 13-year-old student saw Cox and the girl in a similarly compromising position. In a moment of confrontation, Cox physically assaulted the boy by grabbing him and throwing him against a wall, while verbally warning him that reporting the incident would cost him his job. This act of violence was reported to school authorities, prompting an investigation. Initially, both Cox and the girl denied any wrongdoing, with Cox claiming he was like a grandfather to his pupils and had not behaved improperly.

However, evidence from the court revealed that Cox and the girl had been involved in a series of inappropriate encounters, beginning around Christmas of the previous year. The girl described how Cox had kissed her unexpectedly and expressed a desire to make love to her, which she refused. She also recounted instances of touching both over and under her clothing, though she emphasized that there was no overt coercion. Despite her initial reluctance, she admitted that their meetings continued after Cox's suspension, including brief encounters on the seafront and in an empty car park, where Cox expressed that he missed her. The girl also shared that she traveled to Sandwich to meet Cox, indicating the extent of their secret meetings.

Investigations uncovered a series of emails in which the girl used endearing terms towards Cox, further illustrating the emotional connection that had developed. The court was told that the relationship was initiated and maintained despite warnings and the knowledge that Cox should not have been alone with pupils. Cox had been previously warned by a senior teacher in March to avoid being alone with students for his own protection.

Prosecutor Ian Foinette highlighted that Cox's misconduct was compounded by his position of trust and the breach of professional boundaries. Cox, who had been teaching since 1998, had since resigned and was now working as a self-employed plumber in Ramsgate. His defense, represented by Rizwan Ashiq, argued that Cox's early guilty plea had spared the girl from giving evidence and that Cox was suffering from depression, which contributed to his poor judgment. Ashiq explained that Cox's personal issues, including a troubled relationship at home, led him to seek attention from the girl, which was out of character for him.

He further stated that Cox's relationship with the girl appeared to have initially been motivated by her growing self-confidence and academic improvement, which Cox had inadvertently fostered. Cox acknowledged that his actions were foolish and a significant mistake, acknowledging the shame brought upon himself and his partner. The court was also informed that Cox had attempted to take his own life twice, once by slitting his wrists and once by overdose, underscoring his mental health struggles.

In sentencing, Judge Anthony Webb took into account Cox's guilty plea and his depressive illness but emphasized that Cox had betrayed the trust placed in him as a teacher. Cox was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order, which included mandatory attendance at the Thames Valley Sex Offenders programme. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. The judge made it clear that Cox would never be permitted to return to teaching, condemning his actions as unethical and immoral, despite the fact that the girl was over the age of consent. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of abusing a position of trust and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable students.