THOMAS HANCOCK SENTENCED IN BRISTOL FOR STUDENT SEXUAL OFFENSES

Thomas Hancock, a 29-year-old teacher from Beyon Close in Cam, Gloucestershire, admitted to sexually assaulting one schoolgirl and making inappropriate advances toward another. A Bristol Crown Court heard that Hancock had built friendly relationships with two students, aged 17 and 16, but used his position of trust to exploit them.

One girl, a 17-year-old, shared her feelings about Hancock, describing him as a predator. Her words were, "A lot of people call him a monster. I have no words to describe what he is." Hancock admitted to groping her and to sending her lewd footage of himself. Prosecutor Stephen Dent stated that Hancock had been a teacher at the school for six years and had maintained contact with the older girl, becoming flirtatious.

Mr. Dent explained, "He grabbed her bottom without consent and she was shocked. He told her they needed to talk, not in school," adding that Hancock arranged to meet her in his car. During this meeting, Hancock claimed he had feelings for her but insisted that nothing could happen. The girl felt confused and upset. The court heard on another occasion, Hancock kissed her and again touched her inappropriately, with the girl feeling trapped and under his control.

The defendant became obsessed with her, asking her to wear skirts and clothes he liked. Hancock's actions escalated over time; he kissed her multiple times, grabbed her bottom repeatedly, and told her he would "like to bend her over a table." On one occasion, he even put her hand inside his trousers and touched himself between his legs. Despite her attempts to stop contact, Hancock continued to pursue her until she chose to cease communication. She only filed a formal complaint once she learned of a second victim.

The second girl, aged 16, disclosed that her exchanges with Hancock became flirtatious and sexual. She took a screenshot of suggestive Snapchat messages, which included Hancock sending her a photo of his private parts and videos of himself performing a sex act. Hancock also contacted her in the early hours, claiming his fiancée was asleep, and spoke about his dreams of having sex with her at school.

He asked her a loaded question: "How would you convince me to give you the grades you need?" The older girl reported that her concentration suffered as a result, and although she eventually got into university, her academic performance declined significantly.

The younger girl described feeling vulnerable and suffering panic attacks due to Hancock’s actions. She said, "A lot of people call him a monster. I have no words to describe what he is. I blame myself for letting him message me. I feel heartbroken for his fiancée, his family, and my family. It left me with even less confidence than before." Both victims demonstrated significant courage in coming forward.

Judge Michael Cullum sentenced Hancock to 16 months in prison and imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order to prevent further offending. The judge highlighted the impact on the victims, stating, "Both young women have been deeply affected and have altered the course of their lives. Teachers are supposed to do that in a positive way, not a negative way."

Prosecutor Stephen Dent noted that Hancock's actions caused considerable emotional harm and expressed hope that the sentencing would encourage others to report similar offences. DC Nina Wilson commented, "Thomas Hancock was a teacher who abused his position and the trust the children had in him. The victims have shown enormous courage. We continue to support them, and I hope today’s outcome encourages others to come forward."