Leo Norman, 46, who worked at St Anne’s School in Southampton, was sentenced on three charges of conducting sexual activity with a child by a person of trust.
The charges relate to offences which took place between September 2014 and June 2019 at St Anne’s School – a Catholic school and sixth form college in Southampton.
Norman taught English and media. The court was told that the three victims were his pupils, and that he paid them extra attention, complimented them and took an interest in their personal lives to build their trust and touch them sexually and inappropriately.
Norman repeatedly took advantage of his position of authority over his victims, who told police of how they were left feeling confused and uncomfortable from his advances.
Norman was arrested at his home arrested at his home in Southampton on September 20, 2023, following an investigation by Hampshire Police.
Following his arrest and guilty pleas, Norman accepted that there was inappropriate closeness and overfamiliarity with his victims.
Norman was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment.
He has also been handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was made to sign the sex offenders register for ten years.
Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor in the CPS Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, said: “Leo Norman exhibited a deeply troubling pattern of behaviour over a number of years – repeatedly abusing his position of trust to prey on young victims.
“Teachers have a role to protect and safeguard children. Norman chose to do the opposite.
“I would like to thank the victims for their courage in reporting these offences and continuing to support the prosecution to secure his conviction and protect others.
“I hope today’s outcome sends a clear message that the Crown Prosecution Service are committed to bringing to justice to those who exploit children and empowers victims to know that they will always be taken seriously.”
Detective Constable Laura Hardie said: “This is a shocking case where a teacher has abused his position of trust to sexually abuse three teenage girls. These offences took place on separate occasions over a period of a number of years.
“I want to commend the women in this case for the bravery they have shown in talking to police and recounting their experience. In doing so, they have helped bring Norman to justice.
“We know how difficult reporting incidents of this nature can be, and I hope this case shows that no matter when the offence took place, you will be listened to and the matter will be investigated thoroughly.
If you would like to discuss your experiences in the strictest of confidence, please contact Charles Derham
t: 02393552153