Former maths teacher Jeremy Forrest, who served five years in jail after fleeing with a pupil to France, has spoken for the first time to reveal his plans to be removed from the register – to the anger of abuse survivors
Runaway paedophile teacher Jeremy Forrest has spoken for the first time to shamelessly admit he wants to be removed from the sex offenders’ register – meaning he could no longer be monitored by police.
When he was jailed in 2013, he was banned from working with children for life and was told he had to sign the register, after abducting and having sex with a 15-year-old pupil who he absconded to France with. Forrest has now boasted he only needs to contact the authorities once a year to update them about is home address.
He had groomed the pupil at the school he worked at in Eastbourne, East Sussex, then repeatedly had underage sex with her in his car, hotels and his marital home. The 43-year-old, then aged 30, fled to France for a week with the child, leaving her family terrified at home before he was arrested in Bordeaux. He was then jailed in the UK for five-and-a-half years.
Now deluded Forrest has moaned he misses teaching but “loves” his new life as a baker in Sidcup, Kent. When discussing the register, he said: “It’s up to other people, we need to see what happens. The plan has always been that (to be taken off it) with my liaison officer. That’s always been the plan.”
Since 2012 adults subject to signing the register for life can apply to the police to review their case after 15 years, meaning Forrest could ask to be taken off the list in 2028, as he was convicted in 2013.
Adults who are allowed off the sex offenders’ register are no longer subject to notification requirements, such as reporting to the police, providing personal information, or adhering to restrictions to travel or internet use.
Pearl Butterworth, who was sexually abused by Rochdale grooming gangs aged 11, reacted furiously to his plan to be removed from the register. The 56-year-old, from Ramsbottom, Gtr Manchester, said: “As victims of child sexual abuse, we have to deal with it for the rest of our lives, it’s a life sentence – so why should Forrest not be on the register for life? It’s a real kick in the teeth.
“The fact he is even thinking about being removed is disgusting, unbelievable and unthinkable, it should never ever be a possibility. The man is a paedophile, he should be on it for life no questions asked.”
Forrest said he was now “getting on with my life”, adding: “I’ve not been in any other trouble. I have changed my life. You always have to be mindful of past mistakes. That’s what it was. I’m always mindful of it. I’m mindful of what has happened before and how much attention there was in the case. I am very sorry.
“It’s a daily thing, I am reminded. For me, I get reminded of it. Usually I just walk away. It always comes out. I regret it all, 100%.”
A judge said Forrest, a former maths teacher, had caused the girl’s family “appalling distress” and his behaviour was motivated by “self interest”.
When discussing his relationship situation, he said: “That’s really personal. I don’t want to comment on that. It’s gossip, I don’t see how that is of interest to anyone.
“It’s strange. It’s ok talking about the public interest in how offenders rehabilitate. That’s fine. I have to tell them where I live. That’s all it is. There’s not been any concerns around me at all.
“Probation were brilliant… and the police. I’ve been in London and Kent and they’ve been brilliant and really supportive. Liaison officers had really good relations with my liason officers actually.”
Forrest said he was still sometimes recognised by customers. He added: “I’ve not had problems with customers, not really, well… sometimes it surprises them, but it was a long time ago. It was 2012, so 13 years. I miss teaching. I love what I do. I love baking.”
The judge made clear he had let down the teaching profession through his actions and also staff and pupils. Despite this, Forrest said he missed the profession. He said: “Certain aspects of teaching I really miss.
“It won’t or can’t happen again and I don’t mind that. I love what I do now anyway obviously. It’s good to have had that ten years. I know it did not (end) in a good way but the career change. It’s a great opportunity which I am grateful for.”
Prosecuting, Richard Barton said Forrest’s actions were an abuse of trust. He told the trial: “There is a word for it. It’s called grooming – being caring, being kind, being close, gaining confidence, gaining the trust of that person and then you can do what you want to do with them.”
Mr Barton also said it was not a case of Romeo and Juliet because they were not “equal” partners in what happened and Forrest had organised the situation. Forrest had been married when the abuse with the pupil was happening. That marriage ended and he remarried.
