Former Teacher and Rugby Coach Jailed for Child Abuse

Keith Ruby, 36, of Biddisham Lane, Axbridge, was sentenced to 10 years in prison at Taunton Crown Court for 16 counts of serious sexual offenses against a teenage boy.

Ruby, a former teacher and rugby coach at a Somerset school, was convicted of abusing the trust of a young boy and his parents, according to Judge Graham Hume Jones.

"You abused the trust of a young boy and the trust of his parents, and you brought shame on them," said Judge Hume Jones during sentencing.

The judge described Ruby as an "ardent and enthusiastic" sports coach who encouraged the boy in his favorite sport, but used his influence to exploit the boy for his own sexual gratification.

"You did this to indulge your sexual interests with this boy. In his evidence, the boy used the phrase 'hero worship' to describe his relationship with you," said Judge Hume Jones. "Having gained his trust, you then gained the trust of his parents."

The court heard that Ruby manipulated the boy's family, gaining their trust and taking their son under his care outside of school for rugby matches and an overseas trip.

"It is not hard to imagine how this boy's family feel after being duped by you," said Judge Hume Jones. "He worshipped and trusted you, and lied to the police to save your skin. Even then you met him again and abused him."

A spokesman from the school said their safeguarding procedures were "completely compliant" and all necessary checks were conducted on Ruby before he began working with children. However, they acknowledged that no vetting system can guarantee the identification of every predator.

Ruby will be placed on the sex offender's register for life and will never work with children again.

Det Ch Insp Richard Kelvey from Avon and Somerset Police described Ruby as a "manipulative man who insinuated himself into the lives of this victim and his family." He said Ruby was "welcomed into their lives as a trusted friend, teacher and coach to their son."

"His betrayal and abuse has left them completely distraught," said Mr. Kelvey, adding that it took several years before the victim felt able to disclose the abuse he had suffered.