Predatory ex-Southsea teacher who sent naked photos of himself and had sex with pupil is jailed
A predatory former Southsea teacher who sent naked photos of himself before having sex with a “haunted” pupil he relentlessly groomed has been jailed for six years.
Pervert Edward Waller, 66, was convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust and two charges of encouraging a child to engage in sexual communications.
The court heard that Waller, of Winter Road, targeted the girl while he was head of history at St Anne’s School in Southampton. The complainant was aged 16 to 17 when he befriended her before sending her sexual messages including naked photographs of himself.
He invited her to his home saying he had a Christmas present for her before having sexual intercourse with her. The victim told the court: “I was a child looking for safety and love, he saw that and exploited it.” She also said that “feelings of guilt haunt me until this day”.
Judge Michael Bowes KC told the defendant: “This was a gross and highly destructive betrayal of trust by you. You were 30 years her senior and you had a moral and legal duty to protect her.”
He said that Waller had portrayed his victim as a “liar and a fraud” and had “coerced” her into not revealing the abuse at the time. He said: “She has described the deep and lasting harm you have caused her. You have not expressed any genuine remorse for your offences.”
He also made Waller subject to an indefinite restraining order not to contact the complainant.
Julia McSorley, specialist prosecutor for the CPS’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, said: “Edward Waller used his position as a teacher to manipulate and groom a pupil who was entrusted into his care.
“In the selfish pursuit of his own sexual gratification, he burdened her with the significant and lasting effects of this offending, the impact remains ongoing.”
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Waller exploited his position of trust as a teacher to manipulate, groom and sexually abuse a vulnerable girl.
“The victim in this case has shown immense bravery in helping to bring Waller to justice after living with the impact of his abuse for many years.
“Child sexual abuse of any type can have a lasting impact on victims and it is vital that they feel able to speak out, with the confidence they will be listened to, and can access the support they need to move forward with their lives.”
Anyone concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected].
Children can contact Childline for help on 0800 1111 or go to childline.org.uk