Telford teacher is jailed for groping girl

David Timmins, 41, a history teacher who was in charge of child protection at Ercall Wood School in Telford, was yesterday sentenced to two years and eight months in jail.

He was told by a judge a Shrewsbury Crown Court that he would never work with children again.

Timmins, formerly from Shrewsbury and now of no fixed abode, had admitted three offences of sexual activity with a child at an earlier hearing.

Timmins bombarded the girl with e-mails and showered her with gifts, including one half of the friendship necklace that he wore. He even tried to contact her after his arrest.

When he was caught and arrested on child sex charges, Timmins initially tried to blame the school for 'over promoting' him.

Judge Robin Onions, who said Timmins would have to serve half the sentence, said it had been an emotionally, physically abusive relationship in which the teacher had all the power.

Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said the offences took place last year and came to light when emails Timmins had written about an affair he was having were sent to the wrong person.

When the victim was interviewed she said Timmins had instigated the relationship.

"She said she was scared that Timmins would take her away if they were found out," Mr Edwards said.

Mr Michael Sherwood Smith, for Timmins, said his client had never said or done anything to suggest that they would run away.

"He was a teacher at Ercall Wood for 14 years and had been pastoral care manager for three of four years," Mr Sherwood Smith said.

"He received no training in this and was out of his depth. He was drinking excessively and spending money recklessly.

Judge Onions ordered Timmins to be placed on the sexual offenders register.