Simon Shaw convicted of sexual assault -when justice does not feel like justice

Simon Shaw, who was a teacher at Andover Education Centre, began a sexual relationship with a girl under the age of 16 taking away her innocence and exploiting her vulnerabilities.

Judge Keith Cutler at Winchester Crown Court handed down Shaw a sentence of just one year’s imprisonment. He was also placed on the sex offender register for 10 years and given a restraining order to stay away from the victim and her family, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Whilst on the face of it the conviction may be considered to be justice; his actions will be suffered by the individual he abused for the rest of her life.

Charles Derham, Senior Associate and head of the abuse team at Verisona Law comments “It is evident that Shaw breached the trust that was placed upon him during the course of his employment. He took advantage of a vulnerable young girl purely to indulge in his own personal gratification” Derham advises “It is never lawful when a teacher engages in any form of unhealthy or sexual relationship with a pupil at a School, even in some cases whereby it may be considered to be consensual.”

Andover Education Centre is run by Hampshire County Council and is part of the Education Inclusion Service working in partnership with the seven secondary schools in the area to provide continuing education for pupils who are not in mainstream schooling. Hampshire County Council may be found liable for the actions of Shaw. This is because employers can be found automatically liable for the sins and misdeeds carried out by teaching staff either during the course of their employment or if there can be a ‘close connection’ established.

If you, or a loved one, have been affected by child abuse, please do not hesitate to contact our team of specialist child abuse lawyers who will be happy to speak to you about whether it may be possible to bring a claim and/or assist with disclosure to the relevant authorities.