SCOTT WATKINS, KARATE TEACHER FROM CHELTENHAM, JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A GIRL IN GLOUCESTER

In March 2009, Scott Watkins, a 34-year-old karate instructor from Cheltenham, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with a girl under 16. Gloucester Crown Court was told that Watkins' conduct caused the girl to suffer from psychological and emotional difficulties.

Judge William Picton stated, "Girls of that age need to be protected not only from older men who abuse them but from their own incipient sexual or romantic desires. You became involved in an entirely inappropriate relationship in gross breach of trust."

Watkins, who was previously residing on Coniston Road, Gloucester, and later on Honddu Close, Redhill, Hereford, pleaded guilty to having sexual activity with a child on October 13 of the previous year. He also admitted to inciting or causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Prosecutor Julian Kesner described a series of text messages between Watkins and the girl, during which Watkins talked about his sexual excitement at the thought of her and discussed sexual positions. The court was told that Watkins picked up the girl in his car and took her to his house, where he led her into a spare room, removed her clothes, and engaged in sexual activity.

The relationship was uncovered after a change in the girl’s behavior prompted her mother to investigate. The mother found her daughter was sleeping with Watkins and discovered a text message in which the girl said, "I regret what’s happened. If it gets out, my life could be ruined."

In a victim impact statement shared in court, the girl expressed that she had lost her energy, struggled with sleep, and found it difficult to concentrate at school. Mr. Kesner said, "Her confidence has been lost, worrying that people are judging her."

Defending Watkins, Dermot Clarke acknowledged, "He should never have done what he did. There is a complete and utter acceptance of responsibility from him."

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Hart ordered Watkins to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and disqualified him from working with children indefinitely.