Bobby Rudd 38

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A FORMER teacher has been jailed for more than two years after being convicted of a series of child sex offences, including sexual activity with a child.

Bobby Rudd, of Pentland Avenue, Thorpe Bay, was convicted of a string of charges at Basildon Crown Court.

The 36-year-old was jailed for two years and four months after being charged with engaging in sexual communications with a child and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Rudd was also charged with five counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.

He had worked at Shoebury High School and King Edmund School in Rochford, with both schools reassuring parents they do all they can to keep children safe.

Rudd was a music teacher at Shoebury High School and worked as the head of music at the King Edmund School.

Clare Costello, headteacher at Shoebury High School, said: Although this person is no longer a member of staff, I understand there will be concern among former and current students, parents and the wider school community.

As soon as Essex Police contacted us, all correct processes and procedures were immediately followed for the safety of all concerned.

The safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff remains our highest priority and we continue to support staff and anyone in our school community who has been affected by this news.

A spokesperson for the King Edmund School, Rochford, urged any parents with concerns following the court case to contact the headteacher directly.

They said: The school is aware of an ongoing court case involving Bobby Rudd, a former member of staff.

Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our students and we strictly follow all safeguarding policies and procedures as set out in statutory guidance, and by the local authority.

The headteacher, Mr Jonathan Osborn, can be contacted directly with regard to this matter.