In a case that has sent shockwaves through the education community, a trusted maths teacher has admitted to the systematic grooming of an 11-year-old boy from his own school. Christopher Sillence, a 34-year-old from Whitstable, Kent, exploited his position of authority to prey on the vulnerable child in a profound betrayal of trust.
Sillence appeared at Canterbury Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to a catalogue of disturbing charges. These included engaging in sexual communication with a child and inciting a boy under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity. The court heard how the teacher used his professional access to identify and target his young victim.
The illicit communication, which took place between November 2023 and February 2024, was uncovered by vigilant school safeguarding officials. They immediately suspended Sillence and contacted Kent Police, triggering a swift investigation that would reveal the full extent of his predatory behaviour.
Detective Constable Lee Tullett of Kent Police emphasised the severity of the case, stating: "This is a particularly distressing case where a teacher, someone entrusted with the care and protection of children, exploited his position to target a vulnerable young pupil. His actions represent a complete betrayal of the trust placed in him by the school, the victim, and the wider community."
Sillence, formerly a teacher at Fulston Manor School in Sittingbourne, has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing hearing scheduled for July 19th. The case has raised serious questions about safeguarding protocols within educational institutions and the mechanisms for detecting predatory behaviour among staff.
The school has confirmed that appropriate support is being provided to the victim and his family while reviewing their child protection procedures in light of this devastating breach of trust.
