STEPHEN BURROWS, FORMER TEACHER IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGER
A former teacher who engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with an infatuated teenage girl has been sentenced to eight months in prison.Stephen Burrows, aged 66, was advised by the judge that he should have recognized the warning signs and 'stopped dead' what was happening.
During proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court, it was revealed that Burrows, who formerly taught English at Tonbridge Grammar School, suffered from impotency.
The court was told that the attention from the girl made him feel more of a man.
Burrows, a grandfather of two living on Greggs Wood Road in Tunbridge Wells, admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a child and possessing indecent photographs.
These images, all of the girl, included one of her naked from behind, two topless photos, and two in her underwear.
They were sent via WhatsApp and email.
When Burrows was arrested in September 2013, his wife, Joyce, explained to police that her husband’s teenage admirer was fixated on him, and at one point, the girl claimed she was the predator and Burrows the prey.
Passing sentence, Judge Michael Carroll remarked, 'You knew that she was infatuated with you and you had the power to stop it...
You chose not to do that and, as often is the case, it developed and in the end even you knew it was wrong.' The judge highlighted that Burrows’ misconduct was aggravated by the possession of indecent photographs and internet searches using sexual terms indicating an unhealthy interest in people similar to the girl involved.
The offences came to light in September 2013.
Initially, the girl denied any wrongdoing and claimed rumors were being spread.
However, she later confided in police that Burrows had touched her intimately.
Prosecutor Steven Attridge stated that the girl had initiated contact, telling friends she intended to 'go for it.' She also described hugging Burrows, kissing him on the lips, and that their interactions became increasingly sexual, with behaviors escalating from hugging and resting her head on his shoulder to more intimate contact.
The girl and Burrows also arranged to meet for coffee three times.
Text messages between them expressed love, and Skype communications indicated that further sexual acts had taken place, though the prosecution could not substantiate these claims beyond the victim's account.
Caroline Harris, representing Burrows, stated that her client was extremely sorry and acknowledged he had let everyone down.
She urged the court to consider suspending the sentence due to Burrows' poor health and his wife's condition.
However, Judge Carroll firmly responded, 'No, it was criminal.' The court learned that Burrows suffers from impotency caused by type 2 diabetes, and since the offences, he has lost five stone, has no stomach, and struggles with eating.
Miss Harris emphasized Burrows' remorse, saying he recognized his actions were 'very stupid.' Upon release, Burrows will be subject to a seven-year sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender.
