A teacher who engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a pupil has been jailed and placed on the sex offenders register.

Katherine Malyon, 28, a teacher in Dorset, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a girl who was 15 years old at the time. The court heard that Malyon sent the girl explicit messages, took her on outings, and allowed her to visit her home.

The relationship began in 2017 when the girl confided in Malyon and sought support. While their relationship was initially healthy, it crossed boundaries and was noticed by others at the school, including the headteacher.

Malyon, who was trained in safeguarding requirements, was aware of the risks of relationships with pupils. She was warned several times by the headteacher about having too much contact with the girl. Despite these warnings, the two met at the end of the academic year in 2017, and Malyon kissed the girl. This led to a more intimate relationship.

The girl, then 16, informed her mother about the relationship after a friend saw a photo of her and Malyon kissing on her laptop. The teacher was subsequently suspended and police were involved.

During the trial, the prosecution described the case as a "very clear abuse of trust." They argued that Malyon was aware of the girl's vulnerability and exploited it.

The defense argued that Malyon, a teacher of two years, was a respectable and hard-working individual. They claimed that she had suffered from mental health problems, including depression and OCD, which had contributed to her actions. Malyon also claimed that she loved the girl and believed they would marry.

The judge, Brian Forster QC, acknowledged Malyon's mental health struggles but emphasized the seriousness of her actions. He highlighted her betrayal of trust, particularly towards the vulnerable pupil, her parents, and the community. He also noted that Malyon had ignored multiple warnings from the headteacher about the inappropriateness of her relationship with the girl.

Malyon was sentenced to two years and four months for engaging in sexual activity with a child. She was also given a 16-month concurrent sentence for two counts of sexual activity with a person under 18 while in a position of trust. Malyon admitted to all charges. She was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years, given a restraining order for 10 years, and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.