RYDE TEACHER THOMAS GOODEY JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN PORTSMOUTH

In October 2017, a disturbing case of child sexual offences emerged involving Thomas Goodey, a teacher from Ryde on the Isle of Wight. The allegations revealed that Goodey had engaged in inappropriate and illegal activities with two underage boys he met through the popular online dating application Grindr.

According to court proceedings, Goodey, aged 27 at the time, arranged to meet one of the boys at a hotel. During this encounter, he provided the young teenager with vodka before engaging in sexual acts. The incident was reported to authorities several months later, in February, after the boy disclosed the details of the meeting. The police responded swiftly, leading to Goodey's arrest and subsequent charges.

Further investigations uncovered that Goodey had also invited a second boy to his mother’s residence while she was away. During this visit, he engaged in a sexual encounter with the minor. This incident took place in October 2016, and it was only after the allegations surfaced that police were able to piece together the extent of Goodey’s misconduct.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard that the teacher, who was employed as a performing arts instructor, had previously admitted to six offences related to these incidents. The court was informed that Goodey was dismissed from his teaching position shortly after the allegations became public knowledge.

During the trial, a statement from the first victim was read aloud, revealing the profound impact the abuse had on his life. The boy stated, “My life has suffered. I have been unhappy, less patient and I have issues with trusting people.” This testimony underscored the emotional and psychological toll inflicted by Goodey’s actions.

Judge David Melville QC addressed Goodey directly, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. He remarked, “You should have said no. You weakened when you should have resisted,” highlighting the failure to uphold moral and legal boundaries.

Ultimately, Thomas Goodey pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. In sentencing, the court imposed a four-year prison term, along with a sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, Goodey was placed on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct to protect the community from further harm.