A judge said Jamie Duguid will never work with children again and that his actions had caused a ‘devastating effect’ on the victim
Jamie Duguid has been banned from working with children for life (Image: Humberside Police)
A “predatory” former teacher who was based at a school in Hull sent sexually explicit messages to a child, a court heard.
Jamie Duguid, 25, of Whitley Bay, Northumbria, admitted engaging in sexual communication with a child. A jury found him not guilty of sexual assault following a trial. Prosecuting at Grimsby Crown Court, Ben Hammersley said the offence was committed in 2023.
He read the victim impact statement of the now ex-pupil, who said they continued to struggle with their emotions and the ordeal had affected their friendships. Duguid had sent a number of sexualised messages after adding the student on social media. He had also purchased several gifts online and sent them to a postal locker which the pupil never collected.
He sent messages on Snapchat the court heard. A friend of the victim saw the messages and image and told a responsible adult, the court heard.
Following the initial report, Duguid was arrested and brought into custody to be questioned. As a part of his first interview, detectives asked Duguid about his interaction with the pupil for which he answered “no comment” to each question. He was then released under investigation while detectives continued with their enquiries.
As a part of their enquiries, officers were able to track a number of online purchases from Duguid’s banking and emails to items including underwear and jewellery he sent to the pupil.
In a second interview with detectives, Duguid was questioned about the purchases and why he had blocked the pupil on Facebook and messenger but had been in contact with student on Snapchat. Detectives also questioned why he had attempted to conceal his identity on the social media platform and around his search history. Duguid answered “no comment” to all questions.
For Duguid, Harry Bradford said his client had no previous convictions. He said: “He accepts it was wholly unacceptable. He is utterly disgusted with himself”. He added he had lost his role as a teacher and now worked in the service industry and is continuing to be supported by his family and partner.
Judge Gurdial Singh said it had caused a “devastating effect” on the young victim. He said there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and imposed 12 months in prison suspended for two years.
He ordered Duguid to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and placed him on the Sex Offender Register for ten years. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order is in place for five years and he was banned from working with children for life.
The judge told the victim, who was supported in court by family members, that she should not carry the burden. “You are not to blame. You are an innocent child being taken advantage of,” he said.
After the hearing, Detective Constable Rebecca Davison, who led the investigation, said: “As a teacher, Duguid was trusted – however he abused his position, preying on the pupil’s vulnerabilities and manipulated them after they had confided in him and sought support.
“I would like to commend them for their courage, not only in coming forward and reporting Duguid, but throughout the entirety of the investigation and court proceedings.
“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, I would always encourage you to report it, when you’re ready. This has been a lengthy investigation working alongside partnering agencies, for which I would like to thank for their cooperation and assistance throughout.
“Anyone who suspects crimes of this nature are taking place, please report it to us via our non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”
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