Manipulative and predatory teacher sent sexual messages to pupil.
Whitley Bay, Northumbria, NE2
A ‘manipulative and predatory’ ex-teacher based at a school in Hull has today (Friday, 30 October) been given a 12-month suspended sentence, must remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years following a five-day trial.
Jamie Duguid, 26, of Whitley Bay, Northumbria was charged with engaging in sexual communications with a child and sexual assault following a lengthy investigation.
Appearing at court in November last year, he pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communications with a child, however pleaded not guilty to sexual assault. Following a five-day trial at Grimsby Crown Court he was found not guilty of sexual assault by the jury.
An investigation was launched in 2023 after we received a report raising concerns that a man was abusing his position of trust as a teacher at a secondary school in Hull.
Duguid had sent a number of sexualised messages to a now ex-pupil after adding them on social media, he had also purchased several gifts online and sent them to a postal locker which the student never collected.
Following the initial report, Duguid was arrested and brought into custody to be questioned. As a part of his first interview, detectives asked Duguid about his interaction with the pupil for which he answered “no comment” to each question. He was then released under investigation whilst detectives continued with their enquiries.
As a part of the enquiries, officers were able to track a number of online purchases from Duguids banking and emails to items including underwear and jewellery he sent to the pupil.
In a second interview with detectives, Duguid was questioned about the purchases and why he had blocked the pupil on Facebook and messenger but had been in contact with the pupil on Snapchat. Detectives also questioned why he had attempted to conceal his identity on the social media platform and around his search history. Duguid answered “no comment” to all questions.
Legal proceedings concluded with a sentencing hearing at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday, 30 October where Duguid was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence, as part of his sentence he also he must complete 250 hours of unpaid work, will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.
Detective Constable Rebecca Davison leading the investigation said:
“As a teacher, Duguid was trusted, however he abused his position praying on the pupil’s vulnerabilities and manipulated them after they had confided in him and sought support.
“I would like to commend them for their courage not only in coming forward and reporting Duguid but throughout the entirety of the investigation and court proceedings.
“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, I would always encourage you to report it, when you’re ready.
“This has been a lengthy investigation working alongside partnering agencies, for which I would like to thank for their cooperation and assistance throughout.”