Hornchurch paedophile tutor Thomas Rodgers has sentence cut

Thomas Rodgers was jailed for four years on January 24 but a week later he was summoned back to court and his sentence was reduced to two years.

A spokesperson for the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary said incorrect advice was given to Judge Louise Kamill during the sentencing, rendering her original sentence unlawful.

His two victims, who were aged between five and 11 in the 1990s when they were sexually abused by Rodgers, were not informed about this second hearing. One described the system as “broken”.

'Slap on the wrist'

One victim, facing his abuser in court, said: “My earliest childhood memory is seared into my mind. Being forced into a bathroom with Thomas Rodgers and being forced to perform unspeakable acts.”

The other victim described Rodgers as a “monster” and said: “He robbed me of the innocence and joy of my youth and adulthood.”

Rodgers, now 44, of Balmoral Close in Billericay, was convicted of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child – offences which have been replaced in UK law since the late 1990s.

Rodgers was convicted by a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court (Image: PA)At his original sentencing Judge Kamill said that, had the offences taken place after these law changes, Rodgers would have been charged with rape of a child under 13, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

As well as having his prison sentence reduced from four years to two years, his time on the sex offenders register was reduced from indefinite to ten years.

Talking about the now reduced sentence, one of Rodgers’ victims said: “It's distressing that the law was misunderstood during sentencing, leaving us as victims unaware of the reduction.

“Thomas Rodgers showed no remorse during initial sentencing, and the emotional toll of the trial, impact statements, and limited support underscores a broken system.

“Enduring mental strain and pressure for over 20 years, the sentence feels like a slap on the wrist more than a punishment.”

Hornchurch Can't Sing

After these offences took place in the 1990s, Rodgers taught in schools, played a key part in choirs including as musical director of the Hornchurch Can’t Sing Choir, and privately tutored piano and flute.

A joint investigation by the Romford Recorder and MyLondon revealed that Rodgers continued to teach young children at his home while on post-conviction bail.

Prosecutor Babatunde Alabi asked Judge Kamill to make a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which would ban Rodgers from being in contact with children without the prior consent of their parents, social services and the police.

But Rodgers’ barrister Claire Cooper said Rodgers had already informed all the parents of his underage pupils about his conviction.

Judge Kamill decided not to impose the SHPO and Rodgers will therefore be able to return to private tutoring when he is released from prison.

She said: “Clearly it is desirable that anybody you teach in the future is over 16, or the parent or guardian is aware of your past."

The judge said the offences took place many years ago and "there has been no recurrence".

“In the circumstances, having listened to all the steps you have taken since the conviction, I do not make a sexual harm prevention order.

“It is not, in my opinion, necessary, although I strongly advise that should you continue to teach, you contact the parent of any child and make them aware.”

'Unlawful sentencing'

A spokesperson for the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary said: "The reason for the reduction was to correct unlawful sentencing passed at the time of the original trial.

“Incorrect advice was given at that time, and the judge passed a sentence which did not meet the correct guidelines and so now required amending.

"Many of these offences today carry much higher sentencing or even life imprisonment, but in this case had to be reduced to meet what was appropriate at the time under the legislation as it then was."

One of Rodgers’ victims said: “Regardless of the sentence, it’s now over. He’s convicted and that will never go away and as victims we’ll be openly speaking about this in our community to help protect others and bring awareness to the community.

“Despite the reduced sentence and issues in the case I hope it encourages others to come forward in the future to get the justice they deserve also.”