'Manipulative' ex-teacher sentenced after sending sexualised messages to student
A former teacher who sent sexualised messages for an ex-pupil and bought them presents has been sentenced at court.
Humberside Police described Jamie Duguid as ‘manipulative and predatory’ as he targeted a student at a school in Hull.
An investigation was launched in 2023 following concerns being raised with the police, and it waso found the 26-year-old sent a number of sexualised messages to a now ex-pupil after adding them on social media.
Duguid, of Whitley Bay in Northumbria, also bought several gifts online for the student and had them delivered to a postal locker for the victim to collect - although they were never collected.
In interviews with police he answered ‘no comment’ to questions around the purchases of the gifts, and why he had blocked the victim on Facebook and Messenger but still contacted them on Snapchat.
He admitted to engaging in sexual communications with a child, however pleaded not guilty to sexual assault. Following a five-day trial at Grimsby Crown Court he was found not guilty of sexual assault by the jury.
He was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence, as part of his sentence he also he must complete 250 hours of unpaid work, will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.
Detective Constable Rebecca Davison leading the investigation said: “As a teacher, Duguid was trusted, however he abused his position praying on the pupil’s vulnerabilities and manipulated them after they had confided in him and sought support.
“I would like to commend them for their courage not only in coming forward and reporting Duguid but throughout the entirety of the investigation and court proceedings.
“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, I would always encourage you to report it, when you’re ready.
“This has been a lengthy investigation working alongside partnering agencies, for which I would like to thank for their cooperation and assistance throughout.
Anyone who suspects crimes of this nature are taking place, please report it to us via our non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”