Former Teacher Jailed for Grooming and Abusing Vulnerable Pupil
A former teacher who groomed, abused, and impregnated a vulnerable teenage pupil has been sentenced to six years in prison.
Edward Waller sent naked photographs of himself before engaging in sexual activity with the girl in 2005 while employed at St Anne's Catholic School in Southampton.
The 66-year-old, from Southsea, was convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court of sexual activity with a child and two counts of inciting child sexual activity, all offences committed by a person in a position of trust.
The victim told the court:
"I was a child looking for safety and love, he saw that and exploited it."
She also stated that:
"Feelings of guilt haunt me until this day."
Prosecutors explained that the history teacher was aware his victim was a vulnerable girl experiencing significant difficulties at home.
He began to give her extra attention, sending private messages and sexual texts and photographs.
In December 2005, Waller invited the victim to his home where they had sexual intercourse, resulting in her pregnancy, the trial heard.
The teacher stated he would have no involvement with the baby; however, the girl later suffered a miscarriage, the court was informed.
Judge Bowes noted that Waller portrayed his victim as a "liar and a fraud" and coerced her into silence regarding the abuse at the time, stating:
"You threw her to the wolves."
Statement from Crown Prosecution Service
Following the trial, Julia McSorley of the Crown Prosecution Service said:
"Edward Waller used his position as a teacher to manipulate and groom a pupil, who was entrusted into his care.
In the selfish pursuit of his own sexual gratification, he burdened her with the significant and lasting effects of this offending. The impact remains ongoing.
I want to thank the victim for her courage and bravery in supporting this prosecution and for giving evidence."
Waller was found not guilty of rape and was also acquitted of a third count of inciting child sexual activity.
The court was informed that this case is part of a broader police investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse at the school and sixth form college.
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