Locations
Parliament Close, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25
Description
A former teaching assistant has been jailed for five years and three months after he pleaded guilty to non-recent sex offences against a teenage girl.
Jonathan Bath, 42, of Parliament Close, Skegness, was convicted of 5 offences at Lincoln Crown Court yesterday (Monday 7 July).
These included 2 counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13-15, 2 counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13-15 and one count of inciting a girl 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.
The offences came to light after a woman approached police in 2024 to report the abuse she suffered at the hands of Bath when she was a pupil at the school between 2005 and 2007.
Bath has been barred working with children and vulnerable adults and will now be subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offender’s register indefinitely.
The name of the school where Bath worked, and the age of the victim cannot be published to protect their anonymity.
Detective Constable Lisa Willard condemned his actions while commending the woman who came forward to provide evidence for their bravery.
She said: “This sentencing marks the end of a long and painful journey for the survivor, who has shown immense courage in coming forward and speaking out. The man who abused them was in a position of trust—as a teaching assistant, he had a duty to protect and nurture the children in his care. Instead, he exploited that authority in the most appalling way.
“This case is a stark reminder that abuse of power, especially in environments where children should feel safe, will never be tolerated.
“Most importantly, justice has finally been served for the victim. I hope this outcome brings them some measure of closure and reinforces the message that it is never too late to speak out. We will always listen, and we will always act.
“And finally, I’d like to thank all those at Lincolnshire Police who worked on this case. Their professionalism and dedication were unparalleled and is a testament to their passion for public service.”