Zoe Williams, a 30-year-old primary school teacher, and her boyfriend, Thomas Surtees, 37, have been sentenced to prison after filming themselves sexually abusing a child. The victim’s mother described them as “monsters” during the hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
The videos came to light when Surtees was arrested for sexually assaulting young teenagers. He admitted to 16 offences and received a 15-year prison sentence. Williams admitted to six offences and was sentenced to 10 years in jail.
The court learned that the videos were discovered on both Surtees’ and Williams’ phones. Surtees’ phone also contained sexual images of other children as young as two. Disturbing messages were found where Williams encouraged Surtees to commit further abuse.
Judge Julie Clemitson, addressing the court, noted that Williams had used her position as a primary school teacher to stimulate Surtees’ behavior. The victim’s mother expressed her outrage in a statement, deeming the couple’s actions “unforgivable” and stating that they were not remorseful but merely sorry for being caught.
During the proceedings, Surtees’ lawyer, Jeremy Barton, conveyed his client’s remorse for his heinous actions. Lorraine Mustard, representing Williams, stated that her client claimed to have no sexual interest in children but had complied with Surtees’ requests. Mustard also mentioned the tumultuous nature of their relationship, which involved domestic abuse, asserting that Williams sought to appease her boyfriend rather than cause displeasure.
The judge remarked that the couple’s actions were fuelled by substances and found it difficult to believe that neither shared an interest in pedophilia. While acknowledging Williams’ infatuation with Surtees, the judge emphasised that the teacher had actively supported and encouraged his offending behaviour.
Describing Williams as an intelligent woman with a degree in crime investigation and psychology, the judge highlighted that she should have understood the profound harm caused by sexual abuse against children. The judge cited a pre-sentence report, which stated that Williams felt ashamed but lacked genuine remorse or empathy.
Both Williams and Surtees pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including sexually assaulting a child under 13 and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The judge determined that both individuals posed a danger and presented a significant risk of causing serious harm to children in the future.
As part of their sentencing, both Williams and Surtees will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements for the rest of their lives. They will also serve an extended license period of five years upon their release from prison.
