Former teacher living in Kettering jailed for nine years for sexually abusing pupils

A former teacher from Northamptonshire has been sentenced to nine years in prison after he admitted sexually abusing teenage pupils.
Windmill Mystery

West Mercia Police have been searching the area around Chesterton Windmill and have had the area closed off to the public for several days.Windmill Mystery

West Mercia Police have been searching the area around Chesterton Windmill and have had the area closed off to the public for several days.
Windmill Mystery West Mercia Police have been searching the area around Chesterton Windmill and have had the area closed off to the public for several days.

David Panter, aged 68, of York Road, Kettering, pleaded guilty to a number of charges related to the abuse of seven boys, aged between 13 and 18 years old.

Worcester Crown Court heard the abuse took place more than 30 years ago when Panter worked as a teacher outside of the county.

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In 2015, one of Panter’s victims reported the abuse to police and an investigation was launched by West Mercia Police.

Panter pleaded guilty to 16 charges of indecent assault of a boy under 14, three charges of indecent assault of a boy under 16, three charges of indecent assault of a boy over 16, four charges of gross indecency and one charge of inciting a boy under 14 to engage in sexual activity.

DC Sue Prosser said Panter’s victims had “suffered in silence” for many years and urged any other victims to come forward.

She said: “Panter held a position of trust as a teacher, a position he abused in the worst way possible.

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“He took the trust placed upon him to befriend these young boys and then sexually abused them.

“I would like to pay tribute to the men who came forward and gave evidence against Panter.

“These men have suffered in silence for years, living with the knowledge of what he did for so long.

“Thanks to their bravery, he has been convicted of his appalling crimes and justice has been served.

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“I hope this case reassures anyone who may have been a victim of sexual abuse, either non-recent or current, that West Mercia Police is committed to providing help and support to victims and bringing offenders to justice. “Police will thoroughly investigate, no matter when the abuse took place. “There is help and support out there, so please don’t suffer in silence.”

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual assualt on conatct West Mercia Police on 101 or contact The Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which provides a service of care to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted in by calling 0808 178 2058 (24 hours) or visit www.theglade.org.uk