For secretly engaging in a relationship with a student at her school, a contender for Sports Teacher Of The Year was jailed for 2 years.
Disgraced tutor Erin Hebblewhite, 29, broke down in tears as she admitted to seven charges which involved abusing her position to groom and sexually abuse a 16-year-old at Connaught School for Girls.
Hebblewhite was the first to kiss the teenage girl and took her virginity.
She was also pressured by her PE teacher to have sex at Primark while on a shopping trip.
Hebblewhite received the award in the year that all the sexual activities with the girl were reported, which included kissing at the school’s premises.
As gossip began to circulate during their relationship, believing that the rumours were untrue, Hebblewhite was warned by the school to be careful or she would ‘get in trouble.’
After the teen’s mother seize her phone, an adult found the explicit texts on the device. Hebblewhite tried to get the girl to remove them.
The four charges include sexual activity with a 13- to 17-year old girl and abuse of her trust position. The fifth is sexual activity while a teenager is present.
Erin Hebblewhite, a teacher at the age of 29, has admitted seven charges related to sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl pupil.
Two other charges were filed against the girl: taking and possessing inappropriate photographs of her under-17-year-old self.
Fiona Bryan was the Prosecutor. [the complainant]She had her first kiss, and she lost her virginity.
‘[The complainant]She stated that she felt pressured and was feeling like she had been forced to be more sexually explicit from the defendant.
“Ms. Hebblewhite thought it was playing hard to obtain, but in reality she was nervous and inexperienced.
They went out on a date around Valentine’s Day. They had sex at the restaurant’s lavatory on that date.
“The complainant was a virgin until that point.
“She had to conceal the relationship to everyone, and that alienated her from all her friends, including her best friend whom she knew since 10 years.
The defendant was able to move forward in May and June with the help of her ex-partner, who then moved on and she was allowed to leave. [the teenager]was invited to visit, and it became a common occurrence.
Hebblewhite admitted seven counts of abusing her position at Connaught School for Girls to sexually and groom a 16 year-old girl, as pictured here
‘[The teenager]Many times, they would go to the home of the defendant for sex.
“Photographs of them were taken together. Although she said that she did not want the photos taken, she was feeling pressured.
‘The other time was when Ms Hebblewhite pressured her to have sex in Primark.
“She didn’t say no, but she remembered her forceful persistence.”
Ms Bryan stated that the relationship was over because of this. [the complainant’s]The family was notified by police after they discovered the information.
“In the course, of this. [the complainant’s]After her phone was taken by her relatives and the whole thing coming out, defendant became concerned for her situation. The girl begged her to erase the phone and delete all messages.
“She was taken into custody on October 28th. Her home was searched, and 400 images of the defendant were found on a USB stick. [the complainant]They can be seen naked, in bed together or as couples.
Bethan Rogers stated in mitigation that she did not believe this at the time. She saw her behavior as forceful, and even grooming.
She accepts the fact that her actions were influenced by this. She did not try to reduce the effects of what she had done.
“She is acutely aware that the long-term, severe and permanent damage done to the victim by her actions is likely to continue for many years.”
“Nevertheless, she showed genuine love and care.”
She continued, “Through the defendant’s selfishness and stupidity she has destroyed what had been a promising career.”
Passing sentence, Judge Neil Sanders imposed a 10-year order of restraining and a sexual harm preventing order, which prohibits her from ever contacting victims or working with children.
He also held Australian Hebblewhite in jail for 2 years, all charges being concurrently.
He replied, “You texted her asking if you liked her.” The relationship blossomed from that moment on.
It turned into flirtation and she called you a heartthrob. This was when the first sexual encounters started.
It involved kissing on the school grounds. [the complainant]She felt pressured and gave in.
“You were on a first date at a restaurant, and it was the first time there had been sex.
“There were some rumors going around about the school, and the school actually warned you that you might get in trouble.
The following is a list of things to do if you and your partner decide to part ways. [the complainant]You would invite them to visit your house, and they would have sex in your home.
“She took pictures of herself. “She felt it was important to take pictures of her to make you happy.
He added: “I have read and summarized the personal statements of the victims. [the victim]This describes feelings of guilt and shame as well as depression, PTSD, and suicidality.
She describes how an interruption to education or development is felt.
She spoke out about how her friendships with her family, friends and best friend were affected. She said she struggled with adult relationships, and that the criminal procedure was a difficult experience.
“I believe that three years in prison is the best starting point to this offense.
You pleaded guilty to the charges at the first possible opportunity. This gives you full credit. Reduce this time to 2 years.
“I need to think about whether I should suspend this sentence.”
“Given your offenses, I believe that immediate custody is the best way to punish you.”
Hebblewhite from Brighton wore a cream jumper and a navy suit. She broke down and attempted to talk to her friend who was watching from the public gallery.
Although the complainant was present at the hearing on her own, a victim support officer from police supported him.
Connaught School for Girls boasts an “exceptional track record in academic excellence, which is a combination excellent teaching from highly experienced specialist teachers, strong parental support, and rich learning experiences that work together to educate them to be their best selves, both academically, and holistically.”
Some of the past students include Dame Sharon White who was appointed as Chairman for the John Lewis Partnership and June Sarpong, a TV broadcaster.