MANIPULATIVE TEACHER STEPHEN PLANT FROM LEICESTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEEN

In November 2011, Leicester Crown Court sentenced Stephen Plant, a 22-year-old dance teacher from Leicester, to a three-year community order for his manipulative and controlling conduct involving a 13-year-old girl.

Plant, who operated theatre and dance schools in the Worksop area, had met the girl in August 2009 and began to manipulate her through gifts and messages via email, texts, MSN, and Facebook. The relationship developed in secret, with Plant repeatedly expressing love and urging her to keep their meetings and relationship confidential.

According to reports, Plant, of Windsor Road, Carlton-in-Lindrick, ran his own theatre and dance company called Star X Dance and Drama, which held sessions at local schools, along with a local theatre school named SCN.

Eventually, the girl, feeling that their relationship was becoming increasingly inappropriate, confided in her parents about Plant’s behaviour. Detective Constable David Oldale, who led the investigation, stated: “She knew it was wrong and this feeling grew stronger as Plant became more intense. It was not easy for her to tell her parents, but she knew she had to put a stop to what was going on. All the while, Plant was telling her to keep everything a secret and warned her that his life would be ruined if anyone found out. As the adult, he exerted enormous pressure on her to remain silent.”

Plant was arrested at his home on 28 January. Police searched his residence and confiscated his computer for forensic analysis. The E Crime Unit discovered a number of indecent images of children on his hard drive.

He was charged with 15 counts of making and possessing indecent images, along with sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15. Plant pleaded guilty to all charges at Nottingham Crown Court on 10 October. He is now registered as a sex offender for life.

DC Oldale added: “As a 21-year-old man, Plant was the adult and knew his actions were wrong. The discovery of indecent images on his computer further confirms what type of individual he is. Thankfully, the girl had the courage to speak out, and her bravery has led to accountability. We hope this case will prevent him from harming another child and that he gets the help he needs to understand the gravity of his actions.”

In a statement, the girl’s parents expressed the emotional toll on their daughter, saying: “The months of manipulation and emotional control, at only 13 years old, have robbed her of part of her childhood that can never be replaced. His actions have had long-lasting effects on many people.

“Stephen Plant could have admitted his wrongdoing months ago, but the case was prolonged. We trust that our daughter’s bravery and the outcome of this sentencing will prevent him from targeting another child. We also hope he receives the support necessary to understand that his feelings towards young children are fundamentally wrong.”