A former teacher has been sentenced to prison after grooming and sexually abusing a teenage student, before falsely accusing him of rape. Judith Evans, 33, received a two-year jail term for multiple sexual offences involving the boy and will remain on the sex offender register for life. Evans was employed at Belfast Boys’ Model School in Northern Ireland when she developed an inappropriate relationship with the student. She later manipulated and sexually exploited him, taking advantage of his admiration towards her.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that when law enforcement apprehended Evans, she falsely claimed the student had assaulted and threatened her. Evans initially denied the allegations but later admitted to engaging in sexual communication with a minor, arranging a meeting with the intent of sexual grooming, sexual activity involving penetration, and possessing explicit images of the boy. She also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. The offences occurred between March 1 and May 17, 2024. Judge Smyth, who sentenced Evans at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, revealed that nearly 10,000 messages had been exchanged between the teacher and her student.

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Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Jill Duffie of the PSNI described Evans as a "cold and calculating child predator" who betrayed her position of trust by exploiting a vulnerable young student. “She preyed on his vulnerabilities, developing an inappropriate bond with him before escalating to grooming and sexual exploitation,” Duffie stated. “The messages exchanged between them were highly inappropriate and deeply disturbing.” Judge Patricia Smyth highlighted that the boy was particularly vulnerable due to family circumstances.

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Evans initiated contact by providing her personal email and mobile number, eventually leading to text exchanges that became sexually suggestive. The court heard that, during the Easter holidays in 2023, Evans began sending explicit photos to the teenager. “In just a few weeks, she was arranging to meet him in person,” the judge explained. “On two occasions, she met him outside school where sexual activity took place.” On a third occasion, the boy refused to enter Evans’ car because it was her husband’s and did not have tinted windows.

The judge noted references within their texts suggesting sexual encounters at school, though this was not confirmed. Evans also regularly called the student’s mother, expressing concerns over his behavior and requesting to keep him after class for extra study sessions. “The mother recalled one occasion when her son returned home looking disheveled, with his tie loosened and shirt buttons undone after staying behind for revision,” the judge stated. "The abuse came to light when the student’s girlfriend discovered a text message, prompting him to confess. Overwhelmed with guilt and fear of legal repercussions, he expressed thoughts of running away and taking his own life."

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His father subsequently took him to the hospital, where he disclosed the sexual relationship with Evans. In addition to falsely accusing the boy of rape, Evans also alleged that his father had ties to the Ulster Defence Association, a Northern Irish paramilitary group. The judge firmly stated: “Every aspect of that claim was entirely false.” She further acknowledged the devastating impact Evans’ actions had on the victim and his family. The judge also acknowledged that Evans - a mother of two - is experiencing distress due to her crimes.

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Speaking outside the court, DI Duffie commended the teenager for his courage in coming forward, despite his significant mental health struggles. “There remains a societal stigma around male victims of sexual abuse, but today’s verdict reinforces that young boys can be just as vulnerable,” she said. “Suffering in silence is not the answer, and abuse is never the victim’s fault. “Our officers work tirelessly to ensure child predators face justice, and we encourage anyone who has endured similar abuse to step forward. No matter how much time has passed, we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice and support victims through the process.” As a consequence of her conviction, Evans will be permanently barred from working with children.

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