Ex-teacher accused of 21 assaults said to be ‘a sex pest and a menace’
HE DENIES CHARGES OF TOUCHING FOUR WOMEN
A FORMER Derbyshire teacher has been described as “a sex pest and a menace” at the start of his trial for sexually assaulting four women.
Derby Crown Court was told that Darren Bunting allegedly touched the bottoms and breasts of some of the alleged victims and also “rubbed up against them” while simulating having sex with them.
The 36-year-old, of Wirksworth, is also accused of putting his hand up the skirt of at least one of the women and touching her thigh while “making a moaning noise”.
Bunting denies all 21 counts of sexual assault he faces, in some instances saying any touching he might have done was “banter”.
Opening the case, prosecutor Mark Knowles told the jury of seven men and five women: “He might say it was tomfoolery, jest and banter, but the crown will say he’s a sex pest and a menace.
“He touched bottoms, (groin) areas, breasts, and he accepts some of these incidents but he will say they were not sexual. The crown say they were.”
Mr Knowles outlined to the jury what the prosecution claim happened to each of the four women. He said the first woman went to the police in May 2020 to report what she says Bunting, of Gorsey Bank, did to her.
The prosecutor said: “She will tell you she was surprised at his behaviour, he touched her bottom and (groin) area under her skirt. When she challenged him he said it was a joke and that she was ‘boring.’”
Mr Knowles said it is alleged the defendant came up behind this woman and simulated sex with her from behind, “thrusting his crotch against her bottom” and “putting his hands on her hips”.
He said the second victim came forward to report she too had been sexually assaulted on a number of occasions by Bunting.
The prosecutor said: “On one occasion he dropped her at home, asked to come in, pushed her against a wall and was making moaning noises.”
Mr Knowles said the third alleged victim will tell the court how her bottom and breasts were touched by Bunting, who also asked her what the colour of her underwear was. He said he also tried to unclip that woman’s bra.
And the prosecution said the fourth victim alleges that Bunting placed his hands under her blouse and touched her breast over her bra.
Mr Knowles said: “The defendant was interviewed by the police and told them he did not touch the (groin) area and could not recall simulating sex. He admitted he had probably touched one of the victim’s bottoms and thigh but that it was not sexual.”
The prosecutor said Bunting used to work at a school in the Chesterfield area but resigned when the allegations arose. The trial continues.