Paul Clifton

A former English teacher has been sentenced to over five years in prison for a series of sexual offences against two underage students he groomed over several years. Paul Clifton, 55, from Sidcup, pleaded guilty to nine charges at Guildford Crown Court, including sexual communications with a child, sexual activity with a child involving touching and penetration, causing and inciting sexual activity with a child, and abuse of position of trust.

The first victim, referred to as Katherine, was a 15-year-old student at a Surrey school in 2017 when Clifton began exploiting her vulnerabilities. Struggling with home stress and school friendships, she sought his help with creative writing, which he used to build trust and initiate a secretive relationship. Clifton assigned her pet names to conceal their interactions, and Katherine documented their encounters in her journal, including their first kiss and sexual intercourse. These abusive meetings occurred both on and off school premises over a year.

Investigations uncovered a second victim, Alison, who was 15 in 2006 at a Kent school where Clifton taught. He initially belittled her in class, discussed her personal life, and required her to bring homework to his home. After exchanging numbers, his messages turned affectionate, requesting explicit photos and convincing her of their 'love'. Shortly after she turned 16, he had sex with her at his address. During police interviews, Clifton denied all sexual contact, claiming a platonic relationship with Katherine, but confronted with explicit text messages, he invoked legal counsel and gave no further comment.

The case came to light in 2019 when Katherine reported the abuse online. Surrey Police's investigation linked the offences, leading to Clifton's arrest and charges. At Croydon Crown Court on 20 June 2024, he received a sentence of five years and seven months' imprisonment. Additionally, Clifton is subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, barring contact with females under 18 and supervisory roles with children, notification requirements as a sex offender, and placement on the Children’s Barred List.

Source: Surrey Police via Surrey Live article, published 1 October 2024. The court heard detailed victim testimonies and evidence from journals and messages, highlighting Clifton's systematic grooming tactics.