Corpun file 8818

Ananova UK, 1 March 2002

Drama teacher who spanked would-be actresses jailed

A drama teacher who caned, spanked and whipped would-be actresses while "directing" bogus film auditions has been jailed for a year.

Stephen Andrew Hunt used the scripts of fictional television dramas as a "licence to grope and abuse" three women, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

He had placed an advert for recruits in the actors' newspaper The Stage, the court was told.

Hunt, of Selly Oak, Birmingham, had admitted six counts of indecent assault at the earlier hearing, but has been battling to have pleas revoked.

Judge Derek Stanley said Hunt, 44, had exhibited a warped, deep-seated lust during the offences, which had left the women, all in their early 20s, feeling humiliated and defiled.

The acting hopefuls had believed they were taking part in a perfectly legitimate auditioning process after the balding teacher explained that the "dramas" contained scenes of sexual violence towards women.

Michael Burrows, prosecuting, told the court last March that the offences - which Hunt filmed - had involved whipping and caning.

Hunt had lured the women to the "auditions" in Birmingham after advertising for actresses to fill parts in the phoney productions, Mr Burrows said. The defendant always played the part of male characters, ordering the victims to dress in black tights, leotards, high heels and short skirts, the court heard.

One victim was whipped 20 times on the buttocks and was later told that Channel 4 had shown an interest in the production. The judge also ordered Hunt to complete a three-year sex offender treatment programme.

Patricia Lees, defending, said Hunt had lost his job at a special school, where he was also a governor, as a result of the convictions. He had a "real interest" in the arts and was aware his actions had constituted a breach of trust, Miss Lees added.

Follow-up: 22 May 2004 - Spanking teacher banned

Corpun file 8893

The Sun, London, 7 March 2002

Bully boss spanked girl

A BOSS who spanked a woman to make her work harder was ordered to pay his victim £1,000 yesterday. Bully Paul Price, 38, gave cleaning supervisor Linda Thomas three whacks on the bum on two different occasions. He also threatened to pull down her trousers and pants and slap her bare bottom if her work did not improve. Mrs Thomas, 35, reported him to cops. Price was yesterday ordered to pay her compensation by Cardiff Crown Court. He was also given an 80-hour community punishment order and told to pay £400 costs. Price, who admitted common assault, has been sacked as steward of the Pant Side Social Club in Newbridge.