Former Wolverhampton teacher jailed after admitting sex with pupil, 15

Hardeep Kahlon, 41, from Thorneycroft Lane, Fallings Park in Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child a week before his trial was due to begin.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how Kahlon, a 28-year-old married father, took the girl on a number of trips across the country.

They first had sex a week before her 16th birthday and the relationship continued.

Some members of the victim's family were aware of the relationship, but it only came to the attention of police almost a decade later after a letter asking Kahlon for money was sent to his old address.

Prosecutor Thomas Kenning told the court how the offences had left a lasting impression on the victim. He added that she had sought help for alcohol use.

"She is suffering from anxiety and depression over what she said happened to her," said Mr Kenning.

Representing Kahlon, Mr David Jeremy, said: "It was a relationship that was inappropriate and illegal, but it was a relationship.

"He fell for her and she was clearly smitten by him."

He added: "These offences have been committed by a weak and fallible man."

He told the court that his client had continued as a teacher for 10 more years before resigning when these offences came to light.

He was unemployed for a time before taking on shift work making air conditioning units, only to be fired from this job after they discovered his crimes.

"It is a true fall from grace," added Mr Jeremy, but stressed that the relationship was a 'one-off'.

Passing sentence, Judge Richard Burbidge QC, noted that prior to his admissions Kahlon was 'liked and respected by many'.

Kahlon was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, at least half of which he must serve in custody before being released on licence.

He is now subject to the Sex Offender Register. However, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was not imposed with Judge Burbidge adding: "There is not any evidence that you pose a further risk."