Lynne - let's hope that someone can and will shed some light onto this case. Look at a recent comment from teaching unions who said that there have been a rise in false allegations against our educational staff. To everyone I ask this - imagine this was you - wouldn't you want someone to come forward? To Lindsey's Mum - have faith for the truth will eventually out. Take a look at the FACT or INNOCENT website - you will find that these may be able to offer advice. The other noteable thing is that you will also realise there is so much injustice in this world! Good luck!
To Neighbour (Sept 11th)
I have been away and so missed the blogs on this story. If you know anything that can help my son and bring about justice please, please consider coming forward and help us prove the shamesful way these so called 'innocents' are destroying lives.
The ones that accused my son have probably settled back into life having enjoyed their 'game' however I for one have no intention of letting them forget what they have done. If we don't put a stop to this entrapment culture currently being played out on teachers there will not be anyone left to educate future generations. I ask you, would you be a teacher knowing what you do now?
Please if you read this and can help - reply and I can give you the name of our solicitor through whom you can communicate.
Well said Sandie - pity compensation culture comes head and shoulders above the truth! It is a fact that the so called victims in a case see the pound signs up and above anything else. Trouble is it doesn't bode well for those who genuinely tell the truth - whoever they may be! Those who are falsely accused and subsequently convicted are the true victims in these cases. What do they get from all of this?
People need to know the reasons why accused teachers plead guilty,
They will not be believed when it is word against word against a little 'innocent' child
If they maintain innocence and are thought guilty by a jury, their sentence will probably be 4 times longer.
Accused have to try and prove their innocence e.g. guilty until proved innocent.
I ask, would a 'victim' sell her story to all the magazines and newspapers she could, for a ton of money, and then say, well it might have happened, then again it might not, but i made thousands of pounds! easy money for someone who did not even finish school!
Have to say that I agree with Neighbours comments about people not wanting to do as they are asked. It does cause problems. Also the fact that they state that a different story is emerging in the town about the Lindsey Collett case is of concern. How many people in authority will act on this - none because it is hearsay and yet this was enough to convict Steven Edwards and many more in his position. We can't have it all ways! Time I think for people in such professions to make a stand against the very system that was put in place to provide a fair and balanced view in life.
Unfortunately, I, have seen our judicial system, imprison an innocent man (in my opinion) and therefore have no faith in a system that is meant to treat everyone as innocent 'till proven guilty. Having said that the system needs to look at how so called guilty pleas are arrived at and what happens thereafter. Once something like this happens, lives are wrecked.Those who have been falsely accused don't stand a chance! To 'concerned' does it not strike you as odd that such issues regarding this school seem to be crawling out of every possible opening? Have you ever stopped to wonder why nobody, up to recently noticed anything.
I work in this town and have worked with some of the children at this school when they were younger and I am not surprised that this has happened. There is a strong history of kids making false allegations or pulling stunts to trap teachers. Yes, Lindsey should have known better being the adult but this boy knew EXACTLY what he was doing. As someone who works 'very closely' with some of those concerned, there is a VERY different story emerging within the town; I believe Lindsey has been the victim of a trap and a 'game' that a lot of the teens in this town play in order to 'have a bit of fun' at someone else's expense or to 'get back' at a teacher. I worry about working in this town because children know in order to get a teacher sacked they have only got to make an allegation - I've heard it said from the mouth of a 10-yr-old! No wonder behaviour of kids in this town is out of control - a child doesn't like being told what to do, they make an allegation and their parents believe EVERY WORD OF IT!
to A, I think you will find that I am concerned because of the evidence that the police presented in court. The truth and the evidence is that she did kiss him, she did send him text messages that suggested she was turned on and she did send him a photo of herself in her underwear. this is evidence that cannot be disputed! I am concerned because my children go to this school and I for one find the evidence, that the police have, is an abuse of a position of trust. It really doesn't matter weather or not the boy in question was willing, she was still the adult in the situation and as so should have behaved appropriately. I really don't think you or I can dispute the evidence!
To Concerned. As you quite rightly only have the boys side of this story (as this is the only one which has been reported), in your position, I would probably think in the same way. However, I would say to you and others, that in the fulness of time, the truth of this case will emerge and we should all learn lessons from it.
What nonsense is being propagated here. When I was a mid-teenager, it was thought to be something exciting for a teacher to have a relationship with a pupil. I know of one teacher who married a pupil. What's the problem? Abuse is what's happening in the Sudan or Zimbabwe, not a slightly inappropriate relationship between willing partners. Get it in proportion.
I would for one be very upset if someone in a position of trust was sending messages to my child saying that they where turned on.........i would also be very annoyed if that same person in a position of trust sent my child a picture of themselves in their underwear, sent sexual messages, kissed them, touch them, bought them gifts.......I am so pleased that this boy spoke up before the grooming process was completed, because by the sounds of it, it was only a matter of time before she would have wanted to go all the way with him! What she did was wrong............and it really does not matter if he was willing or not. She was in a position of trust, I send my children to this school where i pray and hope that no member of staff begins the grooming process with them. Good luck to the lad, hope you get over this......to the woman, may be next time you will think twice before getting involed with a child, to the school maybe a bit of initial training with staff and support staff as to what is appropriate behaviour with children might help!
The comments on here should make people evermore aware of what can happen and how peoples lives can be damaged. I have always maintained that I have no problem with punishing the truly guilty but come on it's time to make a stand against false accusers and to express our concerns when people are advised just to make do with pleading guilty for a lighter sentence. It's an added pressure that someone already under the spotlight can well do without. To anyone who has or thinks that it is ok to tell lies about anyone for any reason think about this:
There is always time to put right a wrong.
Next time - you may be at the centre of such lies.
Is it worth all the pain and anguish - I think not!
It is good to see so many positive comments. In a situation like this we need to support one-another.
I am Steve's wife.
Our family have lived through hell. The only thing we have hung onto is our faith in a God of justice. We, and many other people in churches here and abroad are praying for the truth. In His time, God will bring about justice, and the real guilty ones will receive their deserved punishment. Until then we will continue to suffer trials by media.
The trouble is, as far as I see it, if someone is falsely accused and upon advice pleads guilty for a lesser sentence OR if someone is falsely accused and maintains their innocence they are placed in a no win situation. Either way our legal system is simply not geared up for these possibilities. Also, if someone is advised to plead guilty, even when they are innocent, is the system not encouraging people to lie?
Lynne. Thank you so much for spending time talking with me, it must be very draining for you. I wish you both well in the future. I hope to meet when the revolution comes! My very best wishes. Sue.
SUE, thank you for your kind words, only another mum can understand the anguish of watching your child punished unjustly. I hope and pray that people will leave your family alone now and let you get on with the task of salvaging your lives.
I wish people could speak to folk like us and see the real trauma that is still happening to teachers and staff at the school.
Its not the pupils who need protection - its the teachers! I know that 2 of the women who lied about their relationship with my son still live in your area, they and their 'friends' are claiming large amounts of cash from the criminal compensation board. Its easy money, no one is allowed to tell their names, they just spread the word and pick on another teacher.
There will always be someone who thinks along the 'no smoke without fire' path when such cases arise. Think again because this scenario can happen to anyone and I ask - Who and where do you turn to when faced with an accusation that is life changing when you are truly innocent? If you are unfortunate enough to be in this situation there does not appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel. We have to speak out against such things - NOW!
Lynne. My heart goes out to you. You have, and are enduring far more than me, I cannot even start to imagine how you feel and how you have come through this so far. I can only hope justice will be yours soon. I hope the tide is turning and we can at least expect fair and just treatment for all in the future. My very kind regards. Sue
TO LINDSEY'S MUM, my heart goes out to you. My son is currently in prison because of the lies of other pupils at that same school. Will it never end?
TO THE FELLOW PUPIL - thank you for speaking out, I only wish there were more like you, if some of the others in my son's class had the courage you are showing then he would not be in prison now. Don't ever let yourself get hooked up with the low life that are causing all this grief.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their positive comments. In particular I would like to thank the fellow pupil who has shown courage and morals in their comments, without any personal gain. Never having been involved in a traumatic incident like this before, I now realise the minefield our teachers and school staff have to endure daily. I appreciate that there are genuine cases of abuse but all teachers everywhere require support and backing rather than the school authorities closing rank and going for damage limitation. Once again, thank you all.
Fellow Pupil - Thank you for speaking out - it took courage and I applaud you for that. No one should have to endure injustice of any kind - whoever they may be!
This pupil in this story was NOT inexperienced. (if you know what i mean....)
Was NOT going to get 12 GCSES.
Bragged about being a plumber and how much he would earn - had already done work experience!
You only have to read the many comments regarding educational staff and only then can you begin to understand the huge problem facing these people when accused by someone of wrong doing. If an allegation is false, no matter what, a life is ruined. As I said previously I followed the Steven Edwards trial and cannot believe that given the complete lack of evidence that this poor guy was found guilty. He, in my humble opinion, was let down by the so called system that is meant to protect individuals in this country.
I have no idea how we get across to the public domain the number of false alegations that are happening. In my son's case these 'children' were at the time street wise teenagers with a track record of deceit. Steven was stunned at the alegations but like us, had confidence in the judicial system, how foolish we all were. We were carried along on a media frenzy that made a fair trial impossible. Add to that being refused time to brief counsel and a Judge who told the court the case couldn not go on past Thursday because he was needed elaswhwere and you may get some idea of the stress. STILL we believed that once the statements were heard all the charges would be dropped as there was not a single shred of evidence against him. BUT despite the many disparities in their stories, Steven was found guilty.
These women are the lowest of the low - not only have they ruined our lives, but their lies cheapen the suffering in genuine cases of abuse.
To anyone else out there who face the same nightmare please do not trust this biased system. You will have to PROVE your innocence as you will already be guilty in people's eyes.
One of the funniest stories i've read. Especially the bit about him going to get twelve GCSEs then go to university and have a 'glittering' career as a vet. Total nonsense, nobody's life is mapped out like that, ever. I don't think many sixteen year old boys would need their arm twistied to shag their teacher. And if he was so very intelligent then why didn't his big brain tell him not to get involved?
Plumbers earn good money these days so at least he got something out of it.
Dry your eyes, you were a willing participant who relished every minute.
Thank you for your comments, Lindsey did not realise the extent of the problem and that so many people have suffered due to false allegations.
The problem is that now-a-days children know the law inside out and teachers are not offered protection. Obviously, there are real cases of abuse in schools but it is clear that Lindsey did not do what she has been accused and in fact is not capable of such actions.
These children have ruined so many lives, they should be stopped NOW.
In response to another victim
The teacher who abused you should be brought to justice. It is not too late to report it to the police as you have had a child as proof, and therefore DNA can be obtained.
Thank you David.i wonder who advised Lindsey to plead guilty? whoever it was, they, as we do, realised that she would not have been believed had she maintained innocence, and gone to trial. With little, or no evidence, the jury takes the word of the child. However, she will have to live with her decision for life. She has well and truely been manipulated.
My husband told the truth, was not believed in court, and faced a 9 year sentence.
David, thank you for speaking out. My son is one of the 12 teachers from that same school whose lives have been ruined by false allegations. He refuses to plead guilty to something he hasn't done and so is now serving a prison sentance.
Doesn't anyone see how rediculous it is to suggest there can be a school full of paedophiles for the last 8 years and no one notice until now?
This school has had police investigators, several new headmasters and a full local government enquiry take place there over the last 4 years and yet they would have us believe that there is still a ring of potential abusers working there. Could it be that there is not and never has been such a set of people - just stupid teenagers callous and stupid enough to try it on?
Its since law was changed so that hearsay evidence is allowed in cases such as these that wild accusations have arisen.
I wonder how many more teachers will fall prey to this injustice and worse still how many real cases of abuse will not be believed!
David Truman - this is exactly the sort of thing that the judicial system in this country should be doing something about. Why should anyone feel pressured to admit to something they have not done? I can't help but think in this day of 'no win, no fee' promises, the compensation gates have been opened and other allegations will now follow against unsuspecting people all over the country. No one is safe. As you point out, once such comments are made about the conduct of a person, their lives change forever.
I am a close personal friend of the family. Lindsey Collett pleaded guilty to a crime that she did not commit in order to protect her family, unfortunately, this has backfired and the media and the student involved have destroyed any chance of her and her family to have a normal life. Lindsey has held her dignity and refused to talk to press about this situation regardless of been offered a substantial amount of money. She is the product of a new age child that is all too aware of all of their rights. Watch this space, this student has opened the flood gates for more allegations.
I was in a similar situation as a 17yr old a'level student. I was forced into a relationship with my teacher, after years of rape and abuse I managed to escape. He now has the child I was forced into having.
What is shocking is that even back then, other teachers knew what was going on and turned a blind eye. Don't all children deserve to be protected from these people. It is shocking and upsetting to see children are still being let down by teachers and by the government.
In my case, the teacher in question went on to teach again..........
I followed the trial of Steven Edwards very closely and I have to say that I believe that he is the victim of a gross miscarriage of justice. He resolutely maintains his innocence, refusing to plead guilty for a crime he has always stated he did not commit. Whats more is he was told he would receive a lesser sentence if he pleaded guilty. Full marks to Mr Edwards for making a stand against the so called British justice system. His trial was based on hearsay evidence and yet still in the absence of physical evidence, this man was convicted. Sorry, but if I were at this school I would be worried. Yes, I think that pupils should be protected and the guilty punished but who protects educational staff from the possibility of false allegations? Once Steven Edwards name was printed in the media (before the trial) his fate was sealed. He simply didn't stand a chance!
i think it is a disgrace , the 16er old had everything going for him ! It has ruined his life. I think it is sick, i think she should of been sent to jail aswell. The teachers involed should also loose their jobs ! As he has lost everything.
As a former pupil of the school leaving this year was a relief, however it isent bad school as far as they go, all schools have problems, especialy with issues like this. One case with Mr Blott has exploded into investigations and students realising they can speak up if they want out. highlighting further problems with the school. I dont think the school needs to be shut, it just needs help to move forward in a difficult time.
Lynne - let's hope that someone can and will shed some light onto this case. Look at a recent comment from teaching unions who said that there have been a rise in false allegations against our educational staff. To everyone I ask this - imagine this was you - wouldn't you want someone to come forward? To Lindsey's Mum - have faith for the truth will eventually out. Take a look at the FACT or INNOCENT website - you will find that these may be able to offer advice. The other noteable thing is that you will also realise there is so much injustice in this world! Good luck!
To Neighbour (Sept 11th)
I have been away and so missed the blogs on this story. If you know anything that can help my son and bring about justice please, please consider coming forward and help us prove the shamesful way these so called 'innocents' are destroying lives.
The ones that accused my son have probably settled back into life having enjoyed their 'game' however I for one have no intention of letting them forget what they have done. If we don't put a stop to this entrapment culture currently being played out on teachers there will not be anyone left to educate future generations. I ask you, would you be a teacher knowing what you do now?
Please if you read this and can help - reply and I can give you the name of our solicitor through whom you can communicate.
Well said Sandie - pity compensation culture comes head and shoulders above the truth! It is a fact that the so called victims in a case see the pound signs up and above anything else. Trouble is it doesn't bode well for those who genuinely tell the truth - whoever they may be! Those who are falsely accused and subsequently convicted are the true victims in these cases. What do they get from all of this?
People need to know the reasons why accused teachers plead guilty,
They will not be believed when it is word against word against a little 'innocent' child
If they maintain innocence and are thought guilty by a jury, their sentence will probably be 4 times longer.
Accused have to try and prove their innocence e.g. guilty until proved innocent.
I ask, would a 'victim' sell her story to all the magazines and newspapers she could, for a ton of money, and then say, well it might have happened, then again it might not, but i made thousands of pounds! easy money for someone who did not even finish school!
Have to say that I agree with Neighbours comments about people not wanting to do as they are asked. It does cause problems. Also the fact that they state that a different story is emerging in the town about the Lindsey Collett case is of concern. How many people in authority will act on this - none because it is hearsay and yet this was enough to convict Steven Edwards and many more in his position. We can't have it all ways! Time I think for people in such professions to make a stand against the very system that was put in place to provide a fair and balanced view in life.
Unfortunately, I, have seen our judicial system, imprison an innocent man (in my opinion) and therefore have no faith in a system that is meant to treat everyone as innocent 'till proven guilty. Having said that the system needs to look at how so called guilty pleas are arrived at and what happens thereafter. Once something like this happens, lives are wrecked.Those who have been falsely accused don't stand a chance! To 'concerned' does it not strike you as odd that such issues regarding this school seem to be crawling out of every possible opening? Have you ever stopped to wonder why nobody, up to recently noticed anything.
I work in this town and have worked with some of the children at this school when they were younger and I am not surprised that this has happened. There is a strong history of kids making false allegations or pulling stunts to trap teachers. Yes, Lindsey should have known better being the adult but this boy knew EXACTLY what he was doing. As someone who works 'very closely' with some of those concerned, there is a VERY different story emerging within the town; I believe Lindsey has been the victim of a trap and a 'game' that a lot of the teens in this town play in order to 'have a bit of fun' at someone else's expense or to 'get back' at a teacher. I worry about working in this town because children know in order to get a teacher sacked they have only got to make an allegation - I've heard it said from the mouth of a 10-yr-old! No wonder behaviour of kids in this town is out of control - a child doesn't like being told what to do, they make an allegation and their parents believe EVERY WORD OF IT!
to A, I think you will find that I am concerned because of the evidence that the police presented in court. The truth and the evidence is that she did kiss him, she did send him text messages that suggested she was turned on and she did send him a photo of herself in her underwear. this is evidence that cannot be disputed! I am concerned because my children go to this school and I for one find the evidence, that the police have, is an abuse of a position of trust. It really doesn't matter weather or not the boy in question was willing, she was still the adult in the situation and as so should have behaved appropriately. I really don't think you or I can dispute the evidence!
To Concerned. As you quite rightly only have the boys side of this story (as this is the only one which has been reported), in your position, I would probably think in the same way. However, I would say to you and others, that in the fulness of time, the truth of this case will emerge and we should all learn lessons from it.
What nonsense is being propagated here. When I was a mid-teenager, it was thought to be something exciting for a teacher to have a relationship with a pupil. I know of one teacher who married a pupil. What's the problem? Abuse is what's happening in the Sudan or Zimbabwe, not a slightly inappropriate relationship between willing partners. Get it in proportion.
I would for one be very upset if someone in a position of trust was sending messages to my child saying that they where turned on.........i would also be very annoyed if that same person in a position of trust sent my child a picture of themselves in their underwear, sent sexual messages, kissed them, touch them, bought them gifts.......I am so pleased that this boy spoke up before the grooming process was completed, because by the sounds of it, it was only a matter of time before she would have wanted to go all the way with him! What she did was wrong............and it really does not matter if he was willing or not. She was in a position of trust, I send my children to this school where i pray and hope that no member of staff begins the grooming process with them. Good luck to the lad, hope you get over this......to the woman, may be next time you will think twice before getting involed with a child, to the school maybe a bit of initial training with staff and support staff as to what is appropriate behaviour with children might help!
The comments on here should make people evermore aware of what can happen and how peoples lives can be damaged. I have always maintained that I have no problem with punishing the truly guilty but come on it's time to make a stand against false accusers and to express our concerns when people are advised just to make do with pleading guilty for a lighter sentence. It's an added pressure that someone already under the spotlight can well do without. To anyone who has or thinks that it is ok to tell lies about anyone for any reason think about this:
There is always time to put right a wrong.
Next time - you may be at the centre of such lies.
Is it worth all the pain and anguish - I think not!
It is good to see so many positive comments. In a situation like this we need to support one-another.
I am Steve's wife.
Our family have lived through hell. The only thing we have hung onto is our faith in a God of justice. We, and many other people in churches here and abroad are praying for the truth. In His time, God will bring about justice, and the real guilty ones will receive their deserved punishment. Until then we will continue to suffer trials by media.
The trouble is, as far as I see it, if someone is falsely accused and upon advice pleads guilty for a lesser sentence OR if someone is falsely accused and maintains their innocence they are placed in a no win situation. Either way our legal system is simply not geared up for these possibilities. Also, if someone is advised to plead guilty, even when they are innocent, is the system not encouraging people to lie?
Lynne. Thank you so much for spending time talking with me, it must be very draining for you. I wish you both well in the future. I hope to meet when the revolution comes! My very best wishes. Sue.
SUE, thank you for your kind words, only another mum can understand the anguish of watching your child punished unjustly. I hope and pray that people will leave your family alone now and let you get on with the task of salvaging your lives.
I wish people could speak to folk like us and see the real trauma that is still happening to teachers and staff at the school.
Its not the pupils who need protection - its the teachers! I know that 2 of the women who lied about their relationship with my son still live in your area, they and their 'friends' are claiming large amounts of cash from the criminal compensation board. Its easy money, no one is allowed to tell their names, they just spread the word and pick on another teacher.
There will always be someone who thinks along the 'no smoke without fire' path when such cases arise. Think again because this scenario can happen to anyone and I ask - Who and where do you turn to when faced with an accusation that is life changing when you are truly innocent? If you are unfortunate enough to be in this situation there does not appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel. We have to speak out against such things - NOW!
Lynne. My heart goes out to you. You have, and are enduring far more than me, I cannot even start to imagine how you feel and how you have come through this so far. I can only hope justice will be yours soon. I hope the tide is turning and we can at least expect fair and just treatment for all in the future. My very kind regards. Sue
TO LINDSEY'S MUM, my heart goes out to you. My son is currently in prison because of the lies of other pupils at that same school. Will it never end?
TO THE FELLOW PUPIL - thank you for speaking out, I only wish there were more like you, if some of the others in my son's class had the courage you are showing then he would not be in prison now. Don't ever let yourself get hooked up with the low life that are causing all this grief.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their positive comments. In particular I would like to thank the fellow pupil who has shown courage and morals in their comments, without any personal gain. Never having been involved in a traumatic incident like this before, I now realise the minefield our teachers and school staff have to endure daily. I appreciate that there are genuine cases of abuse but all teachers everywhere require support and backing rather than the school authorities closing rank and going for damage limitation. Once again, thank you all.
Fellow Pupil - Thank you for speaking out - it took courage and I applaud you for that. No one should have to endure injustice of any kind - whoever they may be!
This pupil in this story was NOT inexperienced. (if you know what i mean....)
Was NOT going to get 12 GCSES.
Bragged about being a plumber and how much he would earn - had already done work experience!
You only have to read the many comments regarding educational staff and only then can you begin to understand the huge problem facing these people when accused by someone of wrong doing. If an allegation is false, no matter what, a life is ruined. As I said previously I followed the Steven Edwards trial and cannot believe that given the complete lack of evidence that this poor guy was found guilty. He, in my humble opinion, was let down by the so called system that is meant to protect individuals in this country.
I have no idea how we get across to the public domain the number of false alegations that are happening. In my son's case these 'children' were at the time street wise teenagers with a track record of deceit. Steven was stunned at the alegations but like us, had confidence in the judicial system, how foolish we all were. We were carried along on a media frenzy that made a fair trial impossible. Add to that being refused time to brief counsel and a Judge who told the court the case couldn not go on past Thursday because he was needed elaswhwere and you may get some idea of the stress. STILL we believed that once the statements were heard all the charges would be dropped as there was not a single shred of evidence against him. BUT despite the many disparities in their stories, Steven was found guilty.
These women are the lowest of the low - not only have they ruined our lives, but their lies cheapen the suffering in genuine cases of abuse.
To anyone else out there who face the same nightmare please do not trust this biased system. You will have to PROVE your innocence as you will already be guilty in people's eyes.
One of the funniest stories i've read. Especially the bit about him going to get twelve GCSEs then go to university and have a 'glittering' career as a vet. Total nonsense, nobody's life is mapped out like that, ever. I don't think many sixteen year old boys would need their arm twistied to shag their teacher. And if he was so very intelligent then why didn't his big brain tell him not to get involved?
Plumbers earn good money these days so at least he got something out of it.
Dry your eyes, you were a willing participant who relished every minute.
Thank you for your comments, Lindsey did not realise the extent of the problem and that so many people have suffered due to false allegations.
The problem is that now-a-days children know the law inside out and teachers are not offered protection. Obviously, there are real cases of abuse in schools but it is clear that Lindsey did not do what she has been accused and in fact is not capable of such actions.
These children have ruined so many lives, they should be stopped NOW.
In response to another victim
The teacher who abused you should be brought to justice. It is not too late to report it to the police as you have had a child as proof, and therefore DNA can be obtained.
Thank you David.i wonder who advised Lindsey to plead guilty? whoever it was, they, as we do, realised that she would not have been believed had she maintained innocence, and gone to trial. With little, or no evidence, the jury takes the word of the child. However, she will have to live with her decision for life. She has well and truely been manipulated.
My husband told the truth, was not believed in court, and faced a 9 year sentence.
David, thank you for speaking out. My son is one of the 12 teachers from that same school whose lives have been ruined by false allegations. He refuses to plead guilty to something he hasn't done and so is now serving a prison sentance.
Doesn't anyone see how rediculous it is to suggest there can be a school full of paedophiles for the last 8 years and no one notice until now?
This school has had police investigators, several new headmasters and a full local government enquiry take place there over the last 4 years and yet they would have us believe that there is still a ring of potential abusers working there. Could it be that there is not and never has been such a set of people - just stupid teenagers callous and stupid enough to try it on?
Its since law was changed so that hearsay evidence is allowed in cases such as these that wild accusations have arisen.
I wonder how many more teachers will fall prey to this injustice and worse still how many real cases of abuse will not be believed!
David Truman - this is exactly the sort of thing that the judicial system in this country should be doing something about. Why should anyone feel pressured to admit to something they have not done? I can't help but think in this day of 'no win, no fee' promises, the compensation gates have been opened and other allegations will now follow against unsuspecting people all over the country. No one is safe. As you point out, once such comments are made about the conduct of a person, their lives change forever.
I am a close personal friend of the family. Lindsey Collett pleaded guilty to a crime that she did not commit in order to protect her family, unfortunately, this has backfired and the media and the student involved have destroyed any chance of her and her family to have a normal life. Lindsey has held her dignity and refused to talk to press about this situation regardless of been offered a substantial amount of money. She is the product of a new age child that is all too aware of all of their rights. Watch this space, this student has opened the flood gates for more allegations.
I think it is disgusting.
I was in a similar situation as a 17yr old a'level student. I was forced into a relationship with my teacher, after years of rape and abuse I managed to escape. He now has the child I was forced into having.
What is shocking is that even back then, other teachers knew what was going on and turned a blind eye. Don't all children deserve to be protected from these people. It is shocking and upsetting to see children are still being let down by teachers and by the government.
In my case, the teacher in question went on to teach again..........
I followed the trial of Steven Edwards very closely and I have to say that I believe that he is the victim of a gross miscarriage of justice. He resolutely maintains his innocence, refusing to plead guilty for a crime he has always stated he did not commit. Whats more is he was told he would receive a lesser sentence if he pleaded guilty. Full marks to Mr Edwards for making a stand against the so called British justice system. His trial was based on hearsay evidence and yet still in the absence of physical evidence, this man was convicted. Sorry, but if I were at this school I would be worried. Yes, I think that pupils should be protected and the guilty punished but who protects educational staff from the possibility of false allegations? Once Steven Edwards name was printed in the media (before the trial) his fate was sealed. He simply didn't stand a chance!
i think it is a disgrace , the 16er old had everything going for him ! It has ruined his life. I think it is sick, i think she should of been sent to jail aswell. The teachers involed should also loose their jobs ! As he has lost everything.
As a former pupil of the school leaving this year was a relief, however it isent bad school as far as they go, all schools have problems, especialy with issues like this. One case with Mr Blott has exploded into investigations and students realising they can speak up if they want out. highlighting further problems with the school. I dont think the school needs to be shut, it just needs help to move forward in a difficult time.