Durham music teacher barred from ever working with any child under 18

But Gordon Dike, who was said to have become “infatuated” by the girl, can now no longer do the job he loves, due to an automatic barring order imposed as part of the court process.

Dike has appeared before Durham Crown Court four times in recent months over allegations which first arose three years ago, over inappropriate sexual activity with the past student, who is now an adult woman.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

The court heard that she helped to keep Dike’s activities a secret at the time but came forward to finally report it in 2021 as a mother, now, who would not want her children exposed to such harm in a similar manner.

Dike offered no pleas to charges alleging sexual activity with a child aged 13 to 17 by an adult in a position of trust, when he appeared at a plea hearing in March and a provisional trial date was fixed for February next year.

But, appearing at a further case management hearing, in May, the now 69-year-old defendant, of Neville’s Cross, Durham, admitted the six-count indictment.

The case was adjourned for sentence on July 12, but as the complainant was not present to give her victim impact statement it was further put back until yesterday (Wednesday July 31).

Robin Turton, for the defendant, said that a psychiatric report prepared for the court confirmed the defendant has a mild cognitive impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of dementia.

Mr Turton said he would be seeking to persuade Judge Jo Kidd to avoid passing an immediate prison sentence.

“The offences concern activity many years ago and there’s no suggestion of any further risk.”

Delivering her impact statement at yesterday’s sentencing hearing, the victim said she recalled the day she finally realised what happened to her at the defendant’s hands, sometimes in his car.

She said in the years after the offences took place she had believed the defendant, “really cared for me”, but the “shocking realisation” began to emerge, although she said she was so confused she did not realise it at the time.

The victim said she had, “weekly nightmares about coming forward and telling the truth.”

She said she was afraid of the defendant’s reaction and feared bumping into him if she was out shopping.

Addressing Dike, she said: “I trusted you and respected you and protected you when our relationship was questioned by a few.”

“I struggle to understand how a father could bring me back to their home for kisses and cuddles.”

But she said she can no longer bring herself to pick up the instrument Dike taught her to play, denying herself from doing what she loved.

John Hobley, prosecuting, told the sentencing hearing aggravating features of the case were the disparity in their respective ages at the time, the use of alcohol in some of the offences, and an attempt to conceal phone evidence by removal of a SIM card.

The court was told the defendant remained a music teacher until his arrest in 2021.

Judge Kidd said by way of his conviction he will be barred from being employed full or part-time, “or otherwise” in anything involving him coming into contact with anyone under the age of 18.

Mr Turton told the sentencing hearing that given the defendant’s lack of previous convictions and his relatively early pleas there was, “a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

He added: “He will lose the ability to do what he loves and that is to teach music.”

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Passing sentence, Judge Kidd told the defendant he was fully aware of the complainant’s vulnerabilities, but also how she became “fond” of him.

“You provided her with a significant level of comfort and support.

“She was entitled to believe your conduct to her would be to the highest standard of a teacher and that you would not take advantage of her.”

But Judge Kidd told the defendant his behaviour with the girl was, “pathetic”.

“You, clearly, became infatuated with her and she was, clearly, infatuated with you.

“You had no excuse. You did not exercise any self-control in order to deal with your inappropriate feelings towards her.”

But she said having read the psychiatric report she had to bear in mind the defendant is starting to suffer with deteriorating cognitive functioning.

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Judge Kidd said considering his future welfare and the impact of a custodial sentence she could suspend the prison sentence that reflects the gravity of his offending.

She passed a ten-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and told Dike he will be subject to notification requirements as a sex offender for the next ten years.

He was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs to be paid by the end of August.