Ex-teacher is jailed after sex with girls

A FORMER Bromsgrove teacher has been jailed after grooming and then having sexual relationships with two pupils.

Richard Knight, formerly of Rainbow Hill, Worcester, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a girl while in a position of trust.

He was sentenced to two years in jail when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday.

The court heard how Knight, 53, groomed the pupils while employed as a teacher at a secondary school.

He began sexual relationships with them which continued on a regular basis until they turned 18.

Following the sentencing, West Mercia Police Detective Chief Inspector Lisa Duncan said: “We welcome the conviction and I hope it will offer some comfort to the victims who were manipulated by Knight over a period time.

“During the time of the offences, Knight was in a position of trust as a teacher at the school. The victims have shown great courage in reporting this to us and throughout the investigation.

“I hope this conviction will provide reassurance to other victims of sexual offences, giving them the confidence to report, and the confidence that they will be believed and that police will do everything to bring offenders to justice.

“If anyone has been affected by this case, then I encourage them to come forward and make a report to police.”