STEPHEN BOOBYER FROM CREECH ST MICHAEL SENTENCED FOR GROOMING IN TAUNTON

In April 2017, a teacher from Creech St Michael was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of grooming a young girl. Stephen Michael Boobyer, aged 55, faced justice at Taunton Crown Court, where he received a five-year jail term following his admission to the charge of grooming.

Boobyer, who was employed as a teacher at a school within the Taunton Deane area, was arrested in January as part of the investigation into his conduct. The case against him was built on evidence of inappropriate communication with a minor, which spanned over a period of four months.

According to Detective Constable Richard Grierson, the investigating officer, Boobyer had sent his victim a series of inappropriate emails with the clear intent of initiating sexual activity. The police launched their inquiry after receiving a report from a third party, which raised concerns about Boobyer’s behavior.

Following his arrest, Boobyer was interviewed and subsequently released on bail. However, despite the restrictions placed upon him, he continued to breach conditions by creating private email accounts. These accounts were used to contact not only the victim but also other teenagers, demonstrating a pattern of manipulative and opportunistic behavior.

As part of his sentence, Boobyer will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that will remain in effect for life, restricting his contact with minors and his online activities related to minors. The case highlights the serious breach of trust involved in grooming offenses and underscores the importance of vigilant investigation and prosecution of such crimes.