A former science teacher at a secondary school in Bexhill has been jailed for nine years and nine months after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing a pupil.
Steven Hardie, 65, of Woodsgate Park, Bexhill, was found guilty of multiple sexual offences against a former pupil who was just 15 when the abuse began.
Hardie worked at Bexhill High School, now known as Mulberry Academy Bexhill, between 1991 and 2007.
He was dismissed from the school in 2007 after receiving a police caution for grooming a female pupil. His latest conviction relates to a different victim.
In 2021, Sussex Police received information alleging that Hardie had groomed and sexually abused pupils during his time at the school.
Officers launched an investigation and seized his electronic devices, uncovering sexual messages exchanged between Hardie and a pupil while he was employed as a teacher.
Police subsequently contacted the former pupil, now a woman in her 30s, who disclosed that Hardie had sexually abused her from the age of 15.
She also reported being raped by him on two occasions after leaving the school.
Hardie was arrested and charged with two counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child.
Following a trial at Lewes Crown Court, which concluded on Tuesday 25 August, he was convicted of all charges except one count of indecency with a child.
He appeared at Brighton Crown Court on Monday 26 October, where he was sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison.
The court also imposed a restraining order protecting his victims and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Rebecca Wilde said: “The impacts of Hardie’s crimes will last a lifetime, which makes the strength and courage shown by the victim all the more remarkable.
“I would once again like to thank her for trusting us with her report and supporting this investigation. Without her, Hardie would not have been brought to justice.
“My thanks also extend to the school, who have fully supported this investigation.
“If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, please report it to us. We will support you, and we will do everything we can to get you the justice you deserve.”
If you need emotional support after reading this article, you can always call Samaritans 116 123.
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