Leeds primary school teacher jailed for sexually abusing teenage boy

Robin Scott was in charge of Woodlesford Primary School in Leeds at the time of the offences when he preyed on the vulnerable youngster.

The offences were committed in the Glossop area of Derbyshire and do NOT relate to anyone at the school.

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Scott appeared before Derby Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and one of meeting a child following sexual grooming.

After the case, Detective Sergeant Steve Bruce, who led the investigation said: “Robin Scott groomed a young man and then engaged in sexual activity with him on a number of occasions.

“I’m pleased we have been able to get this result in court and hope it shows just how seriously we treat offences like this.

“It doesn’t matter how old a victim is, what the circumstances are, or how much time has passed. I would urge anyone who may be a victim of sexual abuse to contact the police, or one of our partner agencies.

“When we receive reports like this, we put all of our efforts into safeguarding vulnerable people and making sure people like Robin Scott face justice for their crimes.”

Steve Walker, Leeds City Council director of children and families, said: “We are aware that a former Leeds headteacher appeared in court and was convicted of meeting a child following sexual grooming and three counts of sexual activity with a child.

“The individual was suspended as soon as we became aware of the allegations towards him, and was subsequently dismissed.

“We and the school cooperated fully with the police investigation, and there was nothing to indicate any crimes were committed other than those he has been convicted of in Derbyshire.

“We have robust safeguarding procedures including DBS checks which were reviewed following the allegations, and are confident that these are both fit for purpose and were adhered to in this case.

“Our thoughts are with the victim and his family, as well as the school community which has come together through a very difficult period which they are now moving on from under new leadership.”

Scott was initially charged with ten counts of sexual activity with a child and one of sexual grooming, between February 2017 and June 2018, when he appeared before magistrates in June.

The 53-year-old was sentenced to a total of seven years, four months, after prosecutors accepted his four guilty pleas.

Details of Scott’s offending were outlined at the earlier magistrates court hearing.

Prosecutor Becky Allsop said the offences came to light when Scott was spotted with the 15-year-old victim and police were contacted.

Police were told Scott had been in contact with the teenager for over a year, from when he was aged 13.

Prosecutor Becky Allsop said the teenager realised what was happening was wrong in September last year, so he broke off contact.

The victim described going to the Travelodge to meet Scott.

There was an entrance around the rear of the premises so he would not have to come in through the front.

Scott claimed to police he spoke to him about family issues and it turned into sexual contact.

Defence solicitor Julie Page said Scott accepted he knew the complainant and that they met through a chatroom.

He said it had been a difficult time because his mother has dementia and she has been living in a home and his father was struggling to cope.

Ms Page said Scott’s partner was being made redundant.

The court heard Scott was also having to make redundancies at his school.

Ms Page said Scott’s initial contact with the teenager had not been sexually motivated.

She said: “He had met a young boy and put himself in a vulnerable position and he compromised his own position by providing guidance and support.”