A former teacher, Judith Evans, has been sentenced to two years in jail at Belfast Crown Court for a series of sexual offences against a teenage pupil. The court heard that Evans groomed and sexually abused the boy during school holidays, sending him sexually explicit photos and engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct. The judge described Evans as a “cold, calculating child predator” who took advantage of her position of trust to exploit the vulnerable teenage boy, who was her pupil at Belfast Boys’ Model School.
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Duffie of the PSNI stated that Evans had preyed on the victim’s vulnerabilities, building an inappropriate friendship with him before grooming and exploiting him sexually. Evans exchanged over 10,000 text messages with the underage pupil, with the content described as highly sexual and sickening. The offences, including sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, and possessing indecent images of the schoolboy, took place between March 1 and May 17, 2024.
Evans initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty to eight sexual offences against the teenage boy. The court heard that Evans had falsely accused the victim of threatening and raping her when confronted by the police. Judge Patricia Smyth highlighted that Evans had groomed the vulnerable child due to family circumstances and engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviour, including sending sexual photos to the boy during the Easter holidays in 2024.
Despite Evans’ claims, the judge emphasised that her account of being threatened and raped by the victim was entirely false. The impact of Evans’ actions on the young victim and his family was profound, with the teenage boy experiencing mental health struggles as a result of the abuse. The court was also informed that Evans attempted to cover up her crimes by perverting the course of justice.
As a result of the abuse, the victim suffered immensely, displaying immense bravery in coming forward to seek justice. Detective Chief Inspector Duffie encouraged other potential victims of abuse to come forward, emphasising that there is no shame in speaking out against abuse. The sentencing of Evans to two years in prison, with half of the term to be spent in custody, reflects the seriousness of her offences and the lasting impact on the victim.
Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for Belfast Boys’ Model School expressed condolences to the victim and their family, acknowledging the distress caused by Evans’ actions. The school reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding and supporting students, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to address any safeguarding concerns effectively. The sentencing of Evans serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and holding perpetrators of abuse accountable for their actions.
The case underscores the need for continued vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from potential abuse and exploitation, particularly within educational settings where trust and authority play a crucial role in shaping young lives. The courage shown by the victim in coming forward serves as a testament to the resilience and strength needed to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this case, there is a collective call for supporting victims and preventing future instances of abuse through robust safeguarding measures and awareness campaigns.