Paedophile Rawmarsh teacher admits raping teenager

Christopher Darler, who worked at Rawmarsh School, abused the boy (13), who was not a pupil at the school, last September.

Darler (37), of Heyhouse Way, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to eight counts, including two of rape, at Sheffield Crown Court today (Wednesday).

A spokesperson for Rawmarsh Community School said Darler had been suspended after he was arrested in October and no longer worked for the school.

"It came as a great shock to us when we were informed Mr Darler had been arrested as part of a police investigation in October 2019 over non-school matters," said the spokesperson.

"He was immediately suspended and is now no longer employed by the school.

"Following the initial allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the school worked closely with the police and the local authority designated safeguarding officer to ensure that all appropriate action was taken in respect of this matter.

"At this stage of the inquiry, there is no evidence whatsoever of any inappropriate contact between Mr Darler and any pupils from our school.

"Professional conduct concerns and safeguarding allegations within the trust are rare. Where allegations or concerns do arise, the trust works closely with the relevant agencies and authorities to ensure any allegation is properly investigated and formal action is taken.

"School life will continue as normal. We are offering support to the children in school, through our pastoral support systems and have informed parents so that they can be vigilant to any change in your child’s emotions and behaviour."

As well as the rape offences, which were committed in Barnsley, Darler admitted to meeting the boy following grooming, three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of possession of a prohibited image of a child and one count of distributing indecent photographs of children.

Darler was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on February 3.