Over a period of eleven months a former Norfolk head teacher made a series of unwanted amorous advances towards a trainee working at his school.
Gregory Hill, 48, of Valley Way, Fakenham, was convicted of an offence of harassment without the fear of violence following a four-day trial at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 18th July 2024.
He was also convicted of an offence of resisting a police constable in the execution of their duties.
Harassment without the fear of violence is an offence under section 2 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. It has a maximum penalty on summary conviction of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine.
The court heard that Hill, former head teacher at Howard Junior School in Kings Lynn, sought a romantic relationship with a 23-year-old woman who began working at the school as a newly qualified teacher in September 2021.
The pair engaged in work-related dialogue by email, but Hill's messages became more personal by February 2022.
On one occasion, Hill messaged her: "Can't wait to see this smile, this beautiful face and wonderful person tomorrow."
In another message he said: "I'd love to build a future for us in school and outside of school xx."
A witness saw Hill taking photographs of the woman's car while she was out visiting a family member. In the background Hill was also carrying out extensive research into the woman on social media.
The young teacher told Hill that she didn't want a personal relationship, but he continued with his advances regardless.
On learning that the complainant was a lesbian, Hill's attitude towards her became more belligerent. He made a series of derogatory comments about her sexuality, including about the way she dressed and behaved.
Tired of his relentless attention and innuendo, she eventually reported the matter to police on 19th February 2023.
A second teacher came forward following news of Hill's arrest.
She too had been a newly qualified teacher when Hill made her the subject of unwanted attention.
Giving evidence, the second teacher told the court that Hill had asked her if she would like him to "unleash the beast" when he was stood with his flies unzipped.
He had also told her "I want your legs wrapped around me".
The second teacher said she hadn't complained about Hill's behaviour because she was worried about career-progression, as it was up to him to sign off her off as a fully qualified teacher.
Hill denied the harassment allegation against the 23-year-old, saying that his relationship with the woman "grew like a flower in a pot" and that she would be "hot and cold" towards him.
He also said that the two women had colluded to manipulate the situation in an attempt to make money out of him.
On 6th March 2023 plain clothes officers attended the school to arrest Hill. The officers, PCs Heidi Hollington and Laura Wild arrived just before the start of a normal school day. The officers approached Hill in the school's car park and told him that they needed to discuss the allegations that had been made.
Body worn video footage captured Hill's bizarre attempts to avoid arrest. In what can best be described as a temper tantrum he struggled with the officers, fell to the ground and started crying out for help.
He shouted for bystanders to "call the police" and said that the officers were assaulting him and trying to cause him a heart attack. It really was textbook toddler stuff.
District Judge Christopher Williams convicted Hill of both offences, saying that the 48-year-old had been a "difficult witness", who "paints himself as the victim" and whose evidence had been "inconsistent".
In contrast he had found the young teacher's evidence "credible" and "consistent".
Speaking of Hill's arrest, DJ Williams said the officers had been "incredibly patient with him".
He added: "Mr Hill didn't want to be arrested and he did everything he could to stop police from arresting him."
In response to his conviction Hill shouted that he was innocent and would be appealing the convictions immediately (although, clearly unbeknown to him, he can't actually do that until sentenced), which means the complainant will need to go through a second trial at the Crown Court.
He was granted conditional bail until his sentencing on Friday, 2nd September 2024.
Detective Constable Claire Lordan, who led the investigation, said: "Hill exploited and abused his position, he was someone who was trusted by parents and the wider community. His behaviour and treatment of a younger colleague, who was just starting out in her career, shows he thought he could behave exactly how he wanted, and get away with it time and time again.
"When he should have been supporting a young woman in her first teaching position, he was self-serving, constantly seeking out opportunities for contact and attention from her, affecting her work and personal life, making her afraid and afraid to be alone.
"I know it wasn't easy for her to come forward and continue with this investigation and court case, and she deserves all our thanks for having the courage to tell us what was happening because his behaviour needed to stop."
Update (23/7/24): Gregory Hill has now been remanded in custody, having (very rapidly) breached some of his bail conditions.
Update (9/8/24): Gregory Hill has now been sentenced.
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