Ming Lockhart-Stephens, a 56-year-old teaching assistant in Avonwick, Devon, was accused of sexual harassment, predatory behavior, and indecent touching.
She worked at a high school in South Devon for three years prior to this.
In her court hearing, she was accused of coercing a male student to perform a sexual act on her. According to witness testimony, Lockhart-Stephens had been ‘grooming’ him for two years before molesting him.
The Plymouth Crown Court reported that Lockhart-Stephens coerced the boy into performing sexual acts on her within his home and once in a car parking area. At the time of the incident, the boy was around 14 years old.
Currently, he is testifying as a legal adult. According to his police report, the events occurred two years ago.
With another victim coming forward, Lockhart-Stephens is now facing four counts of child sexual assault. She denies all claims, pleading not guilty. Another two counts of child sexual assault appeared with a third victim accusing her.
The official timeline states that the incidents occurred between February 2010 and February 2013.
With the original case, she also denies charges. All victims are remaining anonymous for legal reasons. Lockhart-Stephens denies sexual contact and all inappropriate behavior.
However, the official prosecutor on the case, Heather Hope, has stated, “She was using her position to groom him for her own sexual gratification.”
According to Hope, Lockhart-Stephens maintained a friendly relationship with her student’s father. She would come to their house for study sessions. However, during this time, she would exchange ‘flirty’ and ‘sexualized’ messages with the underage student.
Although they did not engage in intercourse, witness testimony reported the performance of multiple sexual acts.
Prosecutor Hope stated, “She told him by the age of 16 if he did not have a girlfriend, she would have sex with him.”
Currently, Lockhart-Stephens is undergoing her trial at Plymouth Crown Court. The next court date is not yet released. However, Hope anticipates a favorable outcome, considering the evidence and witness testimony against the defendant.