UK Teacher Jailed for Lesbian Affair With Student

A London teacher was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for having a lesbian affair with a 15-year-old student. Music teacher Helen Goddard, 26, was banned for life from working with children and will have to register as a sex offender, but will be allowed to see the girl when she is released, the London Times reports. The student says she initiated the 5-month affair, which included overnight stays at Goddard’s home, sexual relations at the girl’s parents’ home, and a weekend away together in Paris.

The sex was consensual—in fact the student said she "pressured" her teacher into it—but in the UK it is against the law to have sexual relations with anyone under 16. Police raided Goddard’s residence after an anonymous tip, and seized sex toys including vibrators and “fluffy handcuffs.” (More Helen Goddard stories.)