Birmingham Metropolitan College worker who kissed student placed on sex offenders' register

Philip Tuite, from Albion Close, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, made 'inappropriate comments' to the teenager about her clothing and 'grabbed her around the waist' away from the college, Dudley Magistrates Court heard.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, returned to the staff room with Tuite following the trip to discuss coursework with him, when he then gave her a brief 'kiss on the lips', the court was told.

Tuite, aged 56, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 17, adult abuse of position of trust.

Ms Sarah Hurd, prosecuting, said: "Tuite made inappropriate comments to her about her clothing and grabbed her around the waist.

"She returned to the staff room after at her own request to go over work with him.

"Other members were present but when everyone had left he put his hand on her thigh several times.

"When she was leaving he gave her a kiss briefly on the lips.

"She was alarmed and went home to tell her mother and was very tearful and distressed."

Tuite was immediately suspended from the college.

The court heard how he had been in the RAF for more than 20 years with an 'exemplary record' before going into education.

Ms Jane Siddons, defending, said: "He accepts that it was a sexual situation and that the kiss was a big mistake.

"He is ashamed and remorseful and knows that what she went through was awful."

Tuite was given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days.

He was ordered to pay a £60 statutory surcharge and £185 court costs.

He will also have to sign the sex offenders register.

District Judge Mr Michael Wheeler added: "You have held positions of responsibility in the armed forces and teaching establishments but this matter takes away your good character."