Teacher who abused pupil jailed for two years

A teacher who sexually abused a teenage pupil has been jailed for two years and been placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Judith Evans, 33, of Elmwood Grove in Newtownabbey admitted grooming and having sexual intercourse with a schoolboy.

The mother of two appeared before Belfast Crown Court on Friday where she was sentenced to a total of four years – half of which will be served in custody and half on licence.

The defendant is charged with eight offences including sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual activity with a child involving penetration and possessing indecent images of the schoolboy.

The offences were committed between 1 March and 17 May 2024.

Evans also admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice between 13 and 27 June 2024, by making a false allegation that she was sexually assaulted by the teenager.

She was a teacher at Belfast Boys Model School when the offences occurred.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the school said they “recognise what a difficult and distressing time this has been for the young person”.

“We fully understand the impact this has caused throughout the wider school community and would reassure all pupils and staff that the protection, safety and wellbeing of our pupils continues to be our highest priority.”

The spokesperson added that the school has “robust safeguarding processes”.