May 2011

Ilkeston school chaplain jailed for sex assault

A chaplain at a Derbyshire school who sexually assaulted a male former pupil has been jailed for 12 months.

Robert Casey, 49, of Ladywood Road, Ilkeston, had previously admitted causing a person to engage in a sexual activity without consent.

Derby Crown Court heard he had been suspended from his position at St John Houghton Catholic School, Kirk Hallam.

The teenager’s family said he had been completely traumatised, but they were relieved at the guilty plea.

‘Breach of trust’

The court heard that the boy was 12 years old when he first met Robert Casey who was working as the school chaplain.

The two developed a close relationship, but one evening last July the victim, aged 18, was sexually assaulted, the court was told.

The recorder Paul Mann QC said Casey was clearly regarded as an inspirational teacher, who had made a significant difference to the lives of young people.

But he also said: “You’ve made a significant difference to the life of your victim, with the most appalling breach of trust.”

In addition to his prison sentence, the defendant was placed on the sex offenders register.