SEAHAM SEX OFFENDER RONALD WOTTON JAILED FOR ABUSE AT LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Seaham, Ronald Wotton, a former primary school teacher, has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to a series of historic sexual assaults committed against pupils at a Roman Catholic primary school in the area.

According to court proceedings, young children at the school resorted to extreme measures, including making themselves physically ill with washing-up liquid, in an attempt to avoid lessons with Wotton, who was known to be a teacher with a dark past. The court heard that Wotton's abusive behavior was not only pervasive but also carried out in front of the entire class, creating an environment of fear and confusion among the students.

One young victim, who later came forward, recounted how she was so frightened by Wotton’s actions that she took the drastic step of vomiting to escape his unwanted attention. Despite her complaints, the school’s headteacher at the time dismissed her allegations, refusing to believe her and instead forcing her to apologize to Wotton in front of her classmates. This dismissive response only compounded the trauma experienced by the children.

Judge Howard Crowson, presiding over the case at Teesside Crown Court, sentenced Wotton, who is now 73 years old and confined to a wheelchair, to five years behind bars. Wotton, who resides on Park Lane, Murton, Seaham, County Durham, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a male, and one count of indecency with a child, spanning a period of over a decade from the late 1960s to the early 1980s.

The judge acknowledged the tragic context of the case, noting that Wotton’s misconduct occurred during a time when such offenses by teachers were often overlooked or dismissed by the wider society. Wotton was allowed to retire in 1980, as a new headteacher, unable to ignore the mounting allegations, took over the school.

Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that Wotton’s behavior created an “extremely abnormal” atmosphere in his classroom. He would position himself behind a large desk, making eye contact with pupils before calling them forward. While concealed behind the desk, he would sexually abuse children over their clothes, asking sinister questions about their home life, particularly whether their parents spanked them. Court reports detailed how Wotton would rub his groin during these assaults, with some victims recalling almost daily abuse.

Further accounts described how Wotton would make children bend over during physical education classes, watching them as they changed for swimming, fostering an environment of intimidation and fear. Children kept their heads down during lessons to avoid eye contact, illustrating the oppressive atmosphere Wotton cultivated.

One brave pupil, after enduring Wotton’s abuse, finally reported her concerns to the headteacher. Her report was met with disbelief; she was called a “bold girl” and was told that “Mr Wotton would not do such things,” despite her clear distress. The court heard that she was forced to return to the classroom and apologize to Wotton in front of her peers.

Despite occasional confrontations from angry parents and concerned adults, no action was taken against Wotton at the time, allowing him to continue his misconduct unchecked. Many children, unable to confide in their parents, resorted to feigning illnesses or swallowing washing-up liquid to induce vomiting and avoid attending school, highlighting the extent of their fear and helplessness.

It was only last year, amid the media frenzy surrounding the Jimmy Savile scandal, that police launched an investigation into Wotton’s past. Detectives traced his former pupils and gathered evidence, leading to his eventual arrest and prosecution. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Seaham, exposing the dark secrets hidden within the walls of the local primary school.