A teacher at a secondary school has been sentenced to jail for engaging in sexual relationships with two students. French teacher Josh Mills-Afford, now known as Patrick Thomas, targeted the students during different school trips several years apart, according to Nottingham Crown Court.
The 37-year-old, a father-of-one from West Bridgford, was found guilty of kissing one of the teenagers in a classroom cupboard at the school when they attempted to end their brief relationship. During the court proceedings, both victims courageously shared impact statements detailing the emotional toll of the incidents.
One victim disclosed struggles with sleep and weight loss following the events, mentioning that her academic aspirations were hindered by declining grades. The other victim expressed feelings of guilt for concealing the relationship with the defendant from her family and friends.
Judge Mark Watson, in sentencing Mills-Afford to 22 months in prison, emphasized the breach of trust inherent in the teacher-student relationship. The judge remarked that schools should be environments where students not only excel academically but also mature into adulthood, and Mills-Afford’s actions had betrayed the trust placed in him.
Prosecutor Mark Bates detailed how the first victim was subjected to inappropriate touching during a school trip, leading to further sexual encounters initiated by Mills-Afford. The second victim came forward after learning about the allegations, recounting a similar experience from when she was 17 years old.
Mills-Afford pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to sexual activity with a minor and the abuse of his position of trust. In impact statements, the victims described the emotional turmoil they endured as a result of the teacher’s actions.
Following the public revelation of the case, Mills-Afford faced personal consequences, including the dissolution of his marriage and the loss of his teaching career. The identities of the victims have been legally protected.
