Former Belfast Boys' Model School teacher Judith Evans, 33, has been sentenced to two years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing a 14-year-old pupil. The court condemned her actions, calling her a “cold, calculating child predator.”
Case Overview
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Victim: A 14-year-old male student at Belfast Boys' Model School.
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Timeframe: The offenses took place between March 1 and May 17, 2024.
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Communication: Evans exchanged nearly 10,000 messages with the victim, many containing explicit and inappropriate content.
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Meetings: She arranged multiple encounters outside of school, where sexual activity occurred.
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False Accusations: When confronted, Evans falsely claimed the victim had threatened and raped her, allegations that were proven to be fabricated.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
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Charges: Evans pleaded guilty to eight sexual offenses, including:
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Sexual communication with a child
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Meeting a child following sexual grooming
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Sexual activity with a child involving penetration
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Possessing indecent images of the schoolboy
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Perverting the course of justice
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Sentence:
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Four-year sentence (two years in custody, two years on license)
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Lifetime placement on the sex offender register
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Banned from working with children
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Impact on the Victim
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The boy suffered severe mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts.
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The court acknowledged the long-term psychological effects of Evans' actions on the victim and his family.
Statements from Authorities
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Detective Chief Inspector Jill Duffie:
"Evans is a cold, calculating child predator who abused her position of trust by taking advantage of a young boy."
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Belfast Boys' Model School Representative:
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Expressed deep concern for the victim and emphasized commitment to student safety.
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Lessons and Future Safeguards
This case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting students from abuse within educational institutions. Authorities are urging stricter monitoring of teacher-student interactions and enhanced reporting mechanisms to prevent similar incidents.
Evans' conviction serves as a warning against abuse of authority and reinforces the message that child predators will face serious legal consequences.