Former Catholic School Teacher Sentenced for Historic Sex Crimes Against Students
A former geography teacher at a Catholic girls' school in Plymouth has been sentenced to prison for multiple historic sex offences against two students. Anthony Redmond, 54, was convicted of eight charges relating to abuse of his position of trust and indecency with a child.
Details of the Offences and Trial
Redmond's crimes occurred during the 2000s while he was employed as a geography teacher at Notre Dame Catholic School in Plymouth. The offences took place in various locations including a school cupboard, staffroom, hotel, and his own home. He was convicted on January 6 following a trial at Plymouth Crown Court where jurors heard disturbing details of his predatory behaviour.
The prosecution detailed how Redmond, who was approximately twice the age of his victims, engaged in sexual activity with two girls under 18. He took the virginity of both victims, with one describing feeling "used and worthless" as a result of his actions.
Victim Impact Statements Reveal Grooming Tactics
During sentencing hearings, powerful victim impact statements were read aloud in court. One victim described how Redmond had "picked me out of a crowd" and engaged in grooming behaviour including whispered conversations, trips to McDonald's during lunchtimes, and prolonged glances designed to make her feel "special."
She stated: "He dared to play with my innocence, my vulnerability, my body. When he was done he pestered me about whether he had taken my virginity. That was his concern. I was just another schoolgirl."
The victim revealed Redmond took her to a hotel when she was 15 but waited until she turned 16 to commit further offences, noting: "The law said 16 was better than 15. A few weeks meant everything, but the damage would last a lifetime."
Defence Arguments and Sentencing
Defence barrister Ali Rafati described the offences as "historic," having occurred approximately 20 years ago. He noted Redmond had no previous convictions, was married with two children, and had suffered "public disgrace" along with the loss of his career and standing in the community.
However, prosecutor Kelly Scrivener countered Redmond's suggestion that there was a "different culture" when the crimes were committed, stating: "He's wrong about that. It was, as he's very much found out, illegal, even back then, what he was doing to these young students."
A pre-sentence report noted Redmond had "minimised his behaviour" and engaged in victim blaming. One victim wrote that his attempts to cover up his actions demonstrated he had "no remorse" and described him as a "sick and twisted man" who represented a danger to the community.
Final Judgment and Consequences
In February 2026, Judge Robert Linford sentenced Redmond, of Fort Austin Avenue in Plymouth, to three years and nine months imprisonment. The judge also imposed a restraining order and confirmed Redmond would be placed on the sex offenders register.
One victim expressed anger that Redmond had been able to operate within an all-girls school environment, describing his persona as a "geography teacher, a pianist, a Catholic role model" as merely "a cover up for his disgusting intentions." She noted that those who had suspicions about his behaviour had "turned the other way" during her most vulnerable years.
