LYTHAM ST ANNES TEACHER STEPHEN WYATT SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST STUDENT
| Red Rose Database
Lytham St Annes Child Sexual Abuser
In April 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Stephen Wyatt, a science teacher at the well-known St Annes College Grammar School located in Lytham St Annes. Wyatt, aged 60, was found guilty of grooming a young female student in the lead-up to her GCSE examinations, revealing a pattern of manipulative and inappropriate behavior that spanned over two years.
Wyatt's misconduct included offering the girl a 'sneak preview' of her physics exam paper before she sat for her GCSEs, an act that was intended to build a sense of trust and closeness. Additionally, he provided her with extra tuition sessions, which served as opportunities for him to spend time alone with her under the guise of academic support. These actions were part of a broader pattern of grooming that aimed to develop a sexual relationship under the guise of mentorship.
Judge Robert Altham, presiding over the case at Preston Crown Court, described Wyatt’s behavior as deceitful, stating that he was “masquerading as someone with her best interests at heart.” Despite this facade, Wyatt’s intentions were far from innocent. Over the course of two years, he engaged in increasingly inappropriate conduct, including physical contact and intimate exchanges with the pupil. Court evidence included excerpts from Wyatt’s online diary, which detailed instances of ‘horizontal hugs’ and kissing the girl during break times in his private room.
In one revealing entry, Wyatt wrote, “She does not object to the idea of going to bed with me,” indicating a troubling level of familiarity and boundary crossing. The court also heard that Wyatt and the girl would meet at the beach to watch sunsets together, during which Wyatt expressed his desire to marry her. However, the girl consistently maintained that she was not his girlfriend, highlighting the imbalance of power and the inappropriate nature of their interactions.
Further complicating the case was Wyatt’s blatant disregard for warnings from his wife, who was also a teacher at the same school. She cautioned him about his increasingly close relationship with the student, but Wyatt continued his conduct unabated. When confronted, Wyatt admitted to having a relationship with the girl and even offered to resign from his position. He begged the authorities not to inform the police, showing a clear awareness of the misconduct.
Throughout the investigation, Wyatt maintained contact with the girl, despite the ongoing inquiries by both the school and law enforcement agencies. His actions culminated in a guilty plea to three counts of sexual touching in a position of trust. Judge Altham commented on the case, noting that although the sexual activity did not progress very far, Wyatt was actively pushing boundaries through his language and behavior.
He emphasized that individuals in positions of trust, such as teachers, must accept the consequences of their misconduct, including the possibility of immediate imprisonment. Wyatt had already served approximately two and a half months in custody, which the judge acknowledged as a significant period of detention. As a result, Wyatt was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison for each of the three offenses, but the sentences were suspended for two years. Additionally, Wyatt was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities, perform 120 hours of unpaid work, and register as a sex offender for the next decade.
Furthermore, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was issued, prohibiting Wyatt from making any contact with his victim. The case underscores the serious breach of trust and the profound impact such misconduct has on young victims, highlighting the importance of safeguarding measures within educational institutions in Lytham St Annes and beyond.
Wyatt's misconduct included offering the girl a 'sneak preview' of her physics exam paper before she sat for her GCSEs, an act that was intended to build a sense of trust and closeness. Additionally, he provided her with extra tuition sessions, which served as opportunities for him to spend time alone with her under the guise of academic support. These actions were part of a broader pattern of grooming that aimed to develop a sexual relationship under the guise of mentorship.
Judge Robert Altham, presiding over the case at Preston Crown Court, described Wyatt’s behavior as deceitful, stating that he was “masquerading as someone with her best interests at heart.” Despite this facade, Wyatt’s intentions were far from innocent. Over the course of two years, he engaged in increasingly inappropriate conduct, including physical contact and intimate exchanges with the pupil. Court evidence included excerpts from Wyatt’s online diary, which detailed instances of ‘horizontal hugs’ and kissing the girl during break times in his private room.
In one revealing entry, Wyatt wrote, “She does not object to the idea of going to bed with me,” indicating a troubling level of familiarity and boundary crossing. The court also heard that Wyatt and the girl would meet at the beach to watch sunsets together, during which Wyatt expressed his desire to marry her. However, the girl consistently maintained that she was not his girlfriend, highlighting the imbalance of power and the inappropriate nature of their interactions.
Further complicating the case was Wyatt’s blatant disregard for warnings from his wife, who was also a teacher at the same school. She cautioned him about his increasingly close relationship with the student, but Wyatt continued his conduct unabated. When confronted, Wyatt admitted to having a relationship with the girl and even offered to resign from his position. He begged the authorities not to inform the police, showing a clear awareness of the misconduct.
Throughout the investigation, Wyatt maintained contact with the girl, despite the ongoing inquiries by both the school and law enforcement agencies. His actions culminated in a guilty plea to three counts of sexual touching in a position of trust. Judge Altham commented on the case, noting that although the sexual activity did not progress very far, Wyatt was actively pushing boundaries through his language and behavior.
He emphasized that individuals in positions of trust, such as teachers, must accept the consequences of their misconduct, including the possibility of immediate imprisonment. Wyatt had already served approximately two and a half months in custody, which the judge acknowledged as a significant period of detention. As a result, Wyatt was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison for each of the three offenses, but the sentences were suspended for two years. Additionally, Wyatt was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities, perform 120 hours of unpaid work, and register as a sex offender for the next decade.
Furthermore, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was issued, prohibiting Wyatt from making any contact with his victim. The case underscores the serious breach of trust and the profound impact such misconduct has on young victims, highlighting the importance of safeguarding measures within educational institutions in Lytham St Annes and beyond.