A former Plymouth teacher who abused two students at the school where he worked has been jailed after a trial at Plymouth Crown Court.
Anthony Redmond, 54, of Fort Austin Avenue in Plymouth, was sentenced today, Tuesday, 10 February, to three years and nine months in prison.
Redmond was convicted of seven counts of abuse of a position of trust by engaging in sexual activity, including offences involving full intercourse, and one count of indecency with a child.
Restraining orders were also made to prevent him from contacting the victims.
Redmond groomed the victims by using his status as a teacher and band musician, and continued working at Notre Dame School and sixth form in Plymouth until he was suspended after the allegations were made.
The court heard the first offence related to a victim when she was 15 during the 2000s. Redmond took the teenager and a friend to a hotel and, during the night, encouraged sexual activity.
A further incident followed shortly after she turned 16 at a party they had both attended.
This investigation then led officers to contact a second victim, who disclosed a sexual relationship with Redmond while she was a sixth form student.
This abuse began when she was 16 and involved Redmond routinely picking her up so they could engage in sexual activity, with offending taking place at his home, in a hotel and inside the school.
The abuse continued while she was at university, until she ended contact when her family became aware.
Later discussion between the two victims revealed they were both being sexually abused by Redmond at around the same time, and both described at sentencing the long term psychological impact of what happened.
Officer in the case Detective Sergeant Luke Portch said:
“I want to acknowledge the courage and strength shown by the victims in coming forward.
“Teachers are entrusted with the care, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people, and that trust was gravely abused in this case.
“Speaking about sexual abuse, regardless of when it occurred, is incredibly difficult.
“Their willingness to report what happened has not only led to justice in this case, but will hopefully help others who have been victims of abuse to come forward.
“The passage of time does not lessen the seriousness of these offences, and this outcome demonstrates that reports of non-recent abuse will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
“If anyone has experienced abuse, whether recently or in the past, I would encourage them to contact the Police. Support is available, and you will be listened to."
If you have any information in relation to this investigation, please contact police via their website or by calling 101 quoting 50260008980.
If you have been the victim of rape or sexual abuse please report it via the same contact methods as above, or by 999 if in immediate danger.
If you don't want to talk, or if you want extra support, there are lots of people who can help. You're in control, and it's up to you who you talk to and what help you receive.
Support is available if you need help or assistance relating to sexual assault:
- National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999
- Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): 0300 3034626
- Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212
- Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900
- Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174
- In an emergency, always call 999 and in a non-emergency please visit www.dc.police.uk or telephone 101.
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