Hertfordshire teacher jailed over affair with 15-year-old student
A Hertfordshire PE teacher has been handed a 15 month jail sentence, after having an affair with a student.
Emily Fox, who taught at the Royal Masonic School for Girls, admitted to four counts of sexual activity while in a position of trust, while appearing at St Albans Crown Court.
The court heard that the 26-year-old exchanged hundreds of “explicit” messages with the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and also kissed and sexually touched her during the affair, which lasted from November 2012 until Easter 2013.
The affair was only uncovered due to a faulty printer, when the girl attempted to print one of the teacher’s emails.
The message did not print until her parents fixed the printer a week later, leading them to read the letter and contact the school to raise alarm.
The private school charges fees of up to £25,000 a year
Judge Stephen Gullick told the teacher: “In my judgement, you were always aware that the relationship was not only wrong but also unlawful.”
“This type of behaviour towards pupils by teachers [must be seen as] extremely grave”.
In addition to the 15-month prison sentence, Fox will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.
