A teacher from Sutton was secretly a sexual predator who groomed and abused kids online. 

Sam Phillips, 28, of Hillcroome Road, has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against six vulnerable children. 

He had manipulated the children online, sending them money in exchange for indecent images of themselves. 

Phillips was a teacher at Belmont Preparatory School in Mill Hill, north London, from September 2017 to March 2021. 

His offending took place between December 2023 and February this year, after he had left the school. 

Chief Superintendent Sara Leach said: “Phillips is a predator of the worst kind, preying on innocent, vulnerable children for his own gratification. 

“The scale of his offending is both appalling and heartbreaking, and no child should ever have to endure the trauma these young victims have suffered.” 

In late January officers were contacted with serious concerns regarding the welfare of a child who had been sexually exploited. 

Officers uncovered two more children who had also been groomed by Phillips. 

Officers traced payments made to the children to Phillips’ bank account and he was arrested on March 11. 

Further analysis of his phone and financial records revealed three more victims. 

At Harrow Crown Court on Wednesday (October 30) Phillips pleaded guilty to 38 offences: 

  • Six counts of sexual communication with a child 
  • 24 counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity 
  • Eight counts of making indecent photographs. 

Chief Superintendent Leach said: “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the children and their families who had the courage to come forward. 

“It is impossible to imagine the pain and fear they have experienced, but their bravery has allowed us to hold this dangerous individual to account. 

“I am pleased Phillips has pleaded guilty, it is a testament to the strength and diligence of the case that Met officers have built. This outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to bringing sexual abusers to justice and ensuring that victims are heard and protected.” 

Acting Detective Sergeant Maria Giannakidou, the officer in the case, said: “We commend the incredible bravery of the survivors who have come forward. It is through their courage that we are able to bring these deeply serious charges forward. 

“Their strength in sharing their experiences is invaluable in holding those responsible to account, and we are committed to ensuring that victim voices are heard.” 

A spokesperson from the Mill Hill School Foundation said: “We have been shocked by this matter which relates to online offences committed after he left the school. We are grateful for the diligent work of the police and courts.

"Our thoughts remain firmly with the victims and those impacted by his actions.

“The wellbeing of our pupils remains our absolute priority and we are committed to maintaining the safety of all the children in our care.”