March 2000
Teacher jailed for schoolgirl sex
A PE teacher has been jailed for 12 months for sex offences against an under-age girl pupil in what was described as “an appalling breach of trust”.
Mark Unsworth, 40, of Sutton, Kingston-upon-Hull, was convicted of three charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
He stood silently as the jury of nine women and two men returned a unanimous verdict after six hours of deliberations at Teesside Crown Court.
The court had previously heard that Unsworth, who coached the girls’ football team, had met her when she was 12.
They became friendly and by the time she was 14, the girl was a regular visitor to Unsworth’s flat.
The court also heard how on Valentine’s Day last year the teacher had sent her cards and gifts including chocolate with the message that it was to “whip up her passion”.
Judge John Walford told Unsworth his behaviour had been “an appalling breach of trust” and he had abused his position as a teacher to take advantage of the teenager.
Unsworth will also be registered as a sex offender for 10 years.
