Teacher sentenced over sexual activity with pupil
A teacher has been jailed for eight months for sexual activity with a pupil at a school close to the Shropshire border.
Kerry Lawson was charged with an offence against a student at Wolgarston High School in Penkridge.
The 34-year-old, of Wolseley Road, Stafford, was dismissed by the school in May.
Lawson was charged under the the Sexual Offences Act with one count of adult abuse of a position of trust causing or inciting sexual activity. She first appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court on June 22 where the case was committed straight to Stafford Crown Court.
Lawson pleaded guilty last Wednesday and was jailed to eight months in prison. She was also told to pay a £100 victim surcharge, made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.
Headteacher Philip Tapp said: "It's completely unacceptable for a teacher to behave in this way and we are deeply disappointed one of our staff should betray the trust placed in our profession. Our school, which received an outstanding rating for child safety in 2014, has very clear processes in place to safeguard children.
"As soon as we became aware of this situation we took swift action in conjunction with other agencies including the local authority and the police. The teacher concerned was summarily dismissed in May."
South Staffordshire councillor Isobel Ford, who represents the school's ward, said she was shocked and it was not something she would expect at Wolgarston.
She said: "Generally I am very proud of the school they have done a lot for the community so I am sorry this besmudges it."
Children's charity the NSPCC has issued an appeal for people to be vigilant and report any concerns about youngsters' welfare on the back of the case.
A charity spokesman said: "Teachers have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their pupils, and young people should be able to enjoy school without fear of abuse. We must all be alert to the signs of a child or young person's distress and responsible enough to act on our concerns without hesitation. We urge adults with any concerns to call the NSPCC."
