Performing Arts Teacher Faces Serious Allegations in Court
A 47-year-old performing arts teacher has appeared before magistrates, facing a substantial number of sexual offence charges involving young girls. Philip Hawkins, who resides in Essex, has pleaded not guilty to eleven separate allegations. These include seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with individuals under 18, specifically exploiting his adult position of trust.
The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred over a prolonged period, spanning from February 2008 to July 2010, in the Suffolk town of Lowestoft. The accusations encompass a range of serious offences, including intentionally facilitating sexual activity among the girls, making unwanted sexual contact, and causing a child to view inappropriate visual material depicting sexual acts.
During his appearance at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court, Mr. Hawkins, who was noted to be wearing glasses, a smart grey shirt, and trousers, entered his pleas of not guilty. The court deemed the allegations too grave for them to handle and committed the case to the Crown Court.
Prosecutor Sarah Daws highlighted the significant nature of the charges. “During the course of his position looking after and teaching people under 18, there have been allegations involving these sexual matters and a significant amount of complainants spanning over a long period of time,” she stated. Ms. Daws further emphasised the inherent power imbalance, noting, “He was a teacher and therefore in a position of trust. There are a huge amount of allegations here.”
The specific charges detailed include:
- Sexual Touching: Mr. Hawkins is alleged to have sexually touched several girls. These incidents are said to have taken place between July 29, 2008, and July 31, 2010.
- Abuse of Trust – Inappropriate Visuals: He is accused of exploiting his position of trust by intentionally causing a child to view an image of an individual engaged in sexual activity.
- Inciting Sexual Activity: There are charges of intentionally causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. These are alleged to have occurred between February 28, 2008, and July 31, 2010.
- Further Incitement Charges: The defendant faces the same charge of inciting sexual activity with another child on two separate occasions, which allegedly occurred between September 1, 2009, and January 25, 2010.
Representing Mr. Hawkins, solicitor Lucy Brakewell acknowledged the complexity of the case. “There are clearly going to be abuse of trust arguments,” she commented. “There are clearly going to be abuse of process arguments. It is indeed complex.”
Given the gravity of the accusations, the magistrates concluded that the case was beyond their jurisdiction. Mr. Hawkins was instructed to attend Ipswich Crown Court for a case management hearing scheduled for April 8. He was granted unconditional bail. The legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy and intricate, with further developments anticipated at the upcoming Crown Court appearance.
