An Accrington Paedophile religious education teacher with predatory tendencies, Donald Hunt, raped a teenage boy in the 1980s after detaining him after school.
Donald Hunt was a RE teacher at Rhyddings High School in Oswaldtwistle from 1983 to 1989.
The Preston Crown Court was informed that from 1987 to 1989, the individual in question committed sexual assault on a 15 or 16-year-old child on three separate occasions. This occurred after the individual detained the kid to “discuss his work”.
Amanda Johnson, the prosecutor, stated that the defendant would detain the victim after lessons under the pretence of discussing his work. On one occasion, while being physically near to the victim, the defendant intentionally pressed his body against him.
On a separate occasion, he stood next to the child, unfastened the teenager’s zipper, and massaged him through his boxer shorts.
The victim stated that he distinctly experienced fear.
During the third instance, the defendant instructed the youngster to fetch a chair and sit beside him.
“He unfastened his zip and instructed the victim, ‘You are aware of the appropriate action’, before guiding the boy’s hand towards his genital area.”
“The boy withdrew and returned home, informing his father. However, his father adamantly dismissed his account.”
According to Ms Johnson, the misconduct ceased when the youngster confided in a friend and instructed him to stay outside the classroom during subsequent instances of being detained. When the perpetrator attempted to establish further communication, the victim promptly alerted his friend.
According to Ms. Johnson’s testimony in court, the defendant became alarmed and hastily left the classroom when the boy’s buddy entered. The boys then pursued him into the car park.
“The defendant was unable to escape expeditiously.”
The acts were reported to the headteacher, but no action was taken.
Ms Johnson continued, stating that the victim was informed, “Mr Donald Hunt has a family. Are you attempting to disrupt the family unit?”
“Additionally, he faced repercussions for fabricating the entire incident and attempting to sabotage the teacher’s professional reputation.”
The crimes were ultimately exposed when the anonymous victim, due to legal constraints, visited a police station in 2019. The episodes had been troubling him for a long time, causing detrimental effects on his personal life and relationships and leading to substance abuse.
He stated that he had made several suicide attempts.
Donald Hunt voluntarily participated in an interview at the police station and claimed to have no recollection of the victim.
He claimed to have suffered from memory impairment as a result of a car accident in 2007 but failed to present any medical evidence to substantiate this assertion in court.
Mark Shanks stated that the individual present today is distinct from the one who did the charges in the late 80s.
He is a devout individual who generously contributes to the community, his acquaintances, and his place of worship. He experienced a profound sense of surprise and dissatisfaction upon learning about his wrongdoing’s impact on his victim.
“He is terrified of being incarcerated once more, and rightfully so.”
Donald Hunt a married man with three children who is currently 69 years old, was sentenced to a nine-month prison term in 2006 for committing an act of indecent assault against a youngster in a backroom at the same school in 1984.
In addition, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order at that time. However, he violated this order in 2012 when his job required him to have contact with schoolchildren.
He received a community order as a consequence of this violation.
Donald Hunt, residing on Fairfield Street in Accrington, initially entered a plea of not guilty to three charges of indecent assault to proceed to trial. However, on the first day of the hearing in May, Hunt changed their plea to guilty.
Judge Heather Lloyd, during the sentencing, stated that in the 1980s, the individual in question held a position of high regard as a teacher of religious instruction. This position carried the duty of imparting knowledge to children and ensuring their safety and overall welfare.
“You exploited your authority to engage in criminal and predatory behaviour towards two boys under your supervision.”
In 2006, you received a conviction for committing indecent assault against a student at the same educational institution.
“You stated that the student provided false information regarding the events.” You informed the probation officer that you admitted guilt but were ultimately convicted after a trial.
“It is evident that you were aware of the existence of another victim when you were incarcerated for your actions. However, as expected, you chose to remain silent, and your previous wrongdoing has caught up with you.”
Upon reporting the incident, the victim was accused of fabricating the truth. You evaded accountability for your actions towards him for an extended period.
“You instructed him to remain for detention, and you sexually violated him.”
“Although you claimed to have no recollection of this student, you were able to provide a comprehensive description of your personal history.”
“Even now, you refuse to acknowledge your culpability; instead, you merely contest your guilt.”
Donald Hunt received a prison sentence of 11 months, was given a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years, and is required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
After being released, he will be subject to post-sentence monitoring for 12 months.
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