Teacher jailed after sending naked photos before having sex with a 'haunted' pupil
A former teacher at a Southampton school has been jailed for sexually abusing a teenage pupil. Edward George Waller, 66, of Winter Road, Southsea, was convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court of one count of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust, and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity while in a position of trust.
The offences occurred during Waller's tenure as a history teacher at St Anne's Catholic School and Sixth Form College in Southampton, when the girl was aged 16 to 17. The court heard that Waller gave the pupil his mobile number, and after a short period, his messages became sexual in nature, including sending naked images of himself. He later invited the girl to his home, where sexual activity took place.
On Friday 20 February, Waller was sentenced to six years in prison and will be placed on the sex offender register indefinitely.
The victim read a statement in court, describing the lasting impact of Waller's abuse on her life, including difficulties forming relationships and the trauma of reliving her experiences during the trial.
She said: "I want to be clear: I didn't give evidence to hurt him. I did it for myself. These events have haunted me and I needed the closure I never got then. I write this on behalf of a vulnerable teenager who was simply looking for safety and love, who did not deserve what happened to her and who has carried shame that does not belong to her for far too long."
The offences came to light following an investigation in 2023 by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary's Operation Marmion, which investigates allegations of non-recent sexual abuse within institutions or by people of prominence.
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Detective Constable Laura Hardie, who led the investigation, praised the victim's bravery. She said: "The survivor of this abuse was a vulnerable teenage girl at the time. She was abused by someone she should have been able to trust - a teacher at her own school. She has shown incredible bravery in having to talk about what happened in court.
"Their support, along with the support of witnesses, ensured Waller has now been brought to justice."
She urged anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to come forward, emphasising that specially trained officers will listen and investigate allegations.
Anyone concerned about abuse can contact police on 101 in confidence, or access support via the Hampshire Police website.
Victims of sexual abuse or other crimes can also contact the Victim Care Hub on 0808 178 1641 or Hub.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk, Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm.
Outside of these times, or if living outside Hampshire, they can call 0808 168 9111 or visit the Victim Support website.