Music Teacher Jailed For Pupil Affair

A music teacher has been jailed for 15 months and ordered to sign the sex offenders register after pleading guilty to six sample counts of sexual activity with a female under 16.

Helen Goddard, 26, who was known as the "jazz lady", taught at a prestigious central London school.

Southwark Crown Court heard how Goddard, of Thornham Street, Greenwich, south-east London, befriended the 15-year-old as they met for coffee after lessons.

Their relationship later turned sexual. Goddard was said to be "pressured" into the relationship by the pupil.

The two had a five-month affair and they spent a weekend in Paris. On one occasion, the student stayed overnight at the teacher's home.

The relationship remained secret until there was an anonymous tip-off from another member of staff at the school.

Sentencing Goddard, Judge Anthony Pitts said: "This is a difficult case. The evidence showed you were having a full-on sexual relationship with the girl for many months.

"She has made it clear that the sexual contact between you was consensual and she says in her statement that in fact it was instigated by her.

"It is, of course, against the law to engage in sexual activity with a person under 16, even with her consent."

The judge continued: "The relationship involved a fair degree of deception not only in respect of the school but also to the girl's parents.

"They made a statement they felt you betrayed their trust. They feel particularly betrayed by the deception of the Paris weekend."

After the arrest, police found several sex toys during a search of Goddard's home.

(GK/KMcA)