Child abduction teacher jailed

Video. Teacher Jeremy Forrest is tonight beginning a five and a half year jail term for abusing his position of trust - and running away with a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Malcolm Shaw has the story.

Judge Michael Lawson QC sentenced Forrest to four and a half years for the five offences of sexual activity with a child and one year for the offence of child abduction, to run consecutively.

He told Forrest: "Your behaviour in this period has been motivated by self-interest and has hurt and damaged many people - her family, your family, staff and pupils at the school and respect for teachers everywhere.

"It has damaged you too but that was something you were prepared to risk, you now have to pay that price."

Forrest, wearing a grey suit, white shirt and tie, showed no emotion but nodded to his family as he was taken down to the cells.

Teacher Jeremy Forrest has been jailed for five and a half years at Lewes Crown Court for abducting a 15-year-old girl and five charges of sexual activity with a child.

Teacher Jeremy Forrest has pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to five charges of sexual activity with a child.

Teacher Jeremy Forrest has arrived at Lewes Crown Court. The 30-year-old will be sentenced today after he was found guilty of abducting a 15-year-old female pupil.

Read more: Jeremy Forrest guilty of abducting a 15-year-old pupil

An East Sussex teacher, found guilty of abducting a schoolgirl, is due to be sentenced today. Jeremy Forrest took the 15-year-old to France when their sexual affair was about to be exposed. He was convicted at Lewes Crown Court yesterday.

Video. Runaway teacher Jeremy Forrest has today been found guilty of child abduction - after fleeing to France with a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Malcolm Shaw reports.

Stephen Lloyd MP said: “I am glad that justice has been done and Jeremy Forrest has been convicted of abducting my constituent, a schoolgirl from Bishop Bell in Eastbourne. His behaviour was manipulative and a total dereliction of trust as a teacher.

"My thoughts are with the young girl, her mother and all her family at this difficult time. I earnestly hope they can now move forward.”

He added: “Bishop Bell is a fine school; one of the best in the South East of England. A recent safeguarding report showed they had strong protection systems but they would be the first to say that anything which can be done to make them even better will be done."

Video. Police say the girl and her family showed great courage during the complex and fast-moving investigation.

Bishop Bell School has issued this statement: “As a school community we have been saddened by the events which led up to this trial and the impact they have had on all concerned.

"We remain deeply shocked by the actions of Mr Forrest and his betrayal of the trust that was placed in him.

"It is important that the strongest possible message is sent to all who work with children that they hold a position of responsibility and trust for the lives, and well being, of those in their care.

"We take our responsibility extremely seriously and our safeguarding policies and procedures are robust.

"However, we are determined to implement any learning from these events to ensure that all pupils at the school are as safe as they possibly could be.”