Canterbury maths teacher Michael White sent sex messages to girl of 15
by Jamie Bullen
A Canterbury maths teacher quit his job and narrowly avoided
jail after sending sexually explicit messages to a 15-year-old
girl, a court heard.
Michael White, 33, of Godwin Road, Canterbury, was arrested
after developing a "fantastical" relationship with the girl
- which included kissing and hugging in secret meetings.
He appeared at Canterbury Crown Court and admitted causing a
child to engage in sexual activity and making an indecent
photograph.
When he began the relationship, contact took place by exchanging
Facebook messages.
The court heard he was arrested after a friend alerted
authorities about the pair.
Police seized his computer and mobile phone, finding sexually
explicit messages and a picture of the naked girl, which was sent
through Facebook.
Donna East, prosecuting, did not reveal in court what White
had said - but did say the messages were highly sexualised.
She said: "The defendant was interviewed on July 15 and
confirmed he had spoken to her and had given her his email address
which he did to everyone.
"You have shown a breathtaking lack of insight which was not just a slippage of standards. There was a serious breach of trust which you knew was wholly wrong..." – Judge Heather Norton
"He said he met up with her on July 7 and hugged her but didn't
kiss her. He later admitted kissing the top of her head."
Ms East said that when questioned about the relationship White
said they were "merely making out a fantasy".
Thomas Restell, defending White, said his client had lacked
inner strength, adding his actions had caused him to "fall from
grace".
He said: "He knows his previously unblemished career has fallen
from grace by his lack of inner strength in realising this had the
potential to escalate.
"He is aware his actions have been reprehensible. The photograph
was sent to him and he should have deleted it but he didn’t. He is
not a career criminal.
"This has brought an abrupt end to his career and his marriage.
His wife has absented from the family home and moved to another
county with their daughter."
Mr Restell added White had resigned from his position at the
school and was now looking to take up a new career.
Michael White was
sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court
Judge Heather Norton said: "You have heaped shame upon yourself
and those around you. The distortions in your thinking must be
addressed.
"In my view you have shown a breathtaking lack of insight which
was not just a slippage of standards. There was a serious breach of
trust which you knew was wholly wrong."
She sentenced White to eight months' in prison, suspended for
two years. He is subject to a two-year supervision order and was
disqualified from working with people under 18.
He also has to sign the sex offenders register.
23/01/13
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