Chay Roberts-Jones

Chay Roberts-Jones, a 29-year-old physics teacher at Blundell's School in Tiverton, Devon, has been convicted of three counts of sexual assault against an 18-year-old girl. The incident occurred under the pretence of providing a sports massage, during which Roberts-Jones ran his hands over the girl's thighs, lifted her top, and attempted to pull down her jeans. The girl reported that he also kissed her neck and tried to kiss her on the lips, prompting a police investigation.

The case was heard at Exeter Crown Court, where Roberts-Jones denied the charges. Although he was cleared of similar allegations from two other girls, aged 16 and 18, who claimed he groped them, the jury found him guilty on the primary counts involving the 18-year-old. Roberts-Jones had been employed at Blundell's School for five years, teaching physics and coaching various sports. Following the allegations, he was suspended from his position and subsequently married his fiancée before relocating to France, where he now teaches adults.

Recorder Mr Philip Mott, presiding over the court, ordered Roberts-Jones to sign on to the sex offenders' register and surrender his passport in anticipation of sentencing scheduled for March 2016. The prosecution highlighted the breach of trust inherent in the teacher's actions towards a young student. This case underscores the vulnerabilities in educational environments, as reported by the BBC on 17 February 2016.