Former deputy head abused vulnerable child - court
A former secondary school deputy head teacher has been sentenced for child sex abuse offences.
Paul Cleary, 58, previously admitted one count of engaging in sexual communications with a child and three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 17 while in a position of trust.
Cleary, who worked in Doncaster before he retired, was told his abuse had a "detrimental" long-term effect on his victim.
Cleary, of Plumpton Gardens in Doncaster, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Sheffield Crown Court.
'Extreme breach'
The court heard how Cleary had targeted "a particularly vulnerable child" and showed her support as a means to gain her trust.
As part of his abuse, he touched her, made suggestive comments and sent emails of a sexual nature, writing in one: "Your age, my job - the risk makes it so much more appealing."
Cleary's offending eventually came to light and he was arrested by police.
On 6 June, he pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communications with a child and three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 17 while in a position of trust.
He entered not guilty pleas to three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.
Judge Charles Thomas told Cleary his actions had demonstrated "an extreme breach of trust" and "elements of grooming".
"You are of previous good character, you have lost that today," he said.
Judge Thomas impose a suspended sentence, saying he was satisfied Cleary's offending had been "out of character".
In addition, Cleary was given a curfew and a restraining order and was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years.
He will also have to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities.
Judge Thomas directed not guilty verdicts on the three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.
'Shattered self-confidence'
In a statement read to the court, Cleary's victim said the abuse had "drastically" affected her mental health and relationships with others.
"I feel angry and this will forever be a problem," she said.
"My trust is completely gone, I don't trust anyone."
She said her self-confidence had been "shattered", adding: "I self-harmed and attempted suicide, I felt a lot of shame about what had happened.
"I had big ambitions for my future but I feel like he ruined this."
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