A former member of staff at Sawtry Community College who admitted to a sex offence with an under-age girl has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Richard Warlow, who is 21, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (April 23) where he pleaded guilty to being involved in non-penetrative sexual activity with a 13 to 15 year old.

Warlow, who worked for Sawtry Community College, now known as Sawtry Village Academy, was arrested on November 14 last year.

Sarah Wilson, acting principal at the academy, said Warlow had been appointed as a learning support assistant that April. “All Safer Recruitment Procedures were followed prior to his employment; he also had a clear DBS,” she added.

“Mr Warlow was suspended as soon as the allegations were raised with the college’s leadership team in November 2014. We co-operated fully with the police throughout the investigation.

“During his suspension, Mr Warlow resigned from his position with immediate effect and is no longer an employee at the College.”

Last week, Warlow was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years and was also told to take part in a sex offenders’ treatment programme for 90 days.

Commenting on the sentencing, Detective Constable Craig Doyle said: “Warlow’s actions caused great distress to his victim. I hope this outcome will help her in beginning to get her life back to normal.”

Sawtry Community College was placed in special measures following an Ofsted inspection in June last year, following concerns about safeguarding of pupils.

An interim leadership team took charge and made safety and security of students its top priority, said Mrs Wilson. She continued: “We have stringent measures in place to check the suitability of all employees, and quick and decisive investigative procedures in place should any issues arise.

“All members of staff undertake child protection training as part of their induction and ongoing professional development following guidance from Cambridgeshire County Council, and know what is expected of them.”