A court has heard that the Port Talbot Paedophile, a teacher called Edward Curtis, engaged in the grooming of a youngster and initiated a sexual relationship with her. Edward Curtis faced charges of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor while in a position of authority. He appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 3, 2023.
Edward Curtis faced seven charges of the offence, to which he pleaded not guilty. On June 12, 2023, a jury found Edward Curtis guilty on three charges against one victim. He was acquitted of four charges related to another girl. Both children are entitled to lifelong anonymity.
Regarding the counts he was convicted on, the court heard how 30-year-old Curtis built a “one to one” relationship with the victim before committing the offences. A statement from the victim detailed the stress and worry caused to her by his actions and the court case, and her “overriding concern that if he could do that to me, he could do that to someone else.”
The defence counsel, Nicola Powell, contested the extent to which the offences were premeditated and constituted “grooming.” In her argument for leniency, she stated that the defendant lost his job and his entire career and reputation. She acknowledged that he must accept responsibility for his actions. Miss Powell further stated that he believed he needed to be present at home to care for his mother.
Edward Curtis, residing on Darwin Road in Port Talbot, had a clean criminal record. Judge Catherine Richards imposed a one-year prison sentence on Edward Curtis. In addition, he will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years and must adhere to a restraining order about the victim for three years.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.