A former teacher has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing a teenage boy while acting as his private tutor. Emily Drury, 26, appeared before Lincoln Crown Court after pleading guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child. The offences took place between May and June last year when the boy, aged 15, was preparing for his GCSE examinations.

During the period of abuse, Drury reportedly wrote the teenager a note which read: “I enjoy every piece of you. I don’t know how to stop, or what this is. Here’s £20 just in case… Your Em xoxo.”

In addition to her prison sentence, Drury was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order, both lasting five years. She was also placed on the sex offenders’ register.

The court heard a victim impact statement from the boy, who described the lasting impact of the abuse. He said he had endured something “no child should ever have to experience” and explained that the offences had left him feeling “unable to simply enjoy being a child”. He added that he “still lives with the consequences every day”.

The teenager told the court he had once believed there was “a stigma attached to being the male victim of sexual abuse” and said he continues to struggle with trust and often avoids social situations.

In mitigation, defence barrister Jeremy James argued that Drury’s actions stemmed from what he described as an “uncharacteristic, fantastical relationship” which served as a means of “escaping the reality of her life”.

However, Judge James House KC rejected any attempt to minimise the seriousness of the offences. Sentencing Drury, he said she had “failed to fully accept the magnitude of harm caused” to the victim.

While acknowledging the positive character references submitted on her behalf, the judge said they demonstrated her “kindness and compassion”, but added that the offences arose from “her own selfish desires”.

Following the hearing, Detective Constable Julie Jode of Lincolnshire Police praised the victim for his conduct throughout the investigation.

She said he had shown “exceptional courage, dignity, and resilience” and accused Drury of exploiting her position of trust.

“As an adult in a position of authority, she was expected to provide guidance, support, and protection,” Det Con Jode said.

“Instead, she used that position to target and manipulate someone who should have been able to trust her implicitly.”

Police said the case highlights the serious consequences for adults who abuse positions of authority and the long-term harm such offences can inflict on young victims.

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