Newham Teacher Denies Raping Pupil

A science teacher accused of raping a former pupil told a court the relationship was loving and consensual, and that he believed the girl was 18. Darlington Nuwertey, 32, faces nine counts of rape and one charge of abusing a position of trust. He denies all charges.

Nuwertey, of Bexleyheath, south London, was a teacher at Oasis Academy Silvertown in Newham, east London, when he met the pupil. The prosecution stated that Nuwertey had been her teacher only months before the alleged sexual relationship began. The pupil told the court she was 15 and about to turn 16 when Nuwertey's unwanted attention started.

Defence claims consensual relationship

During his testimony at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Nuwertey told jurors that he and the pupil were in a "loving and consensual relationship". He stated that she had provided "a certain kind of excitement" and that he believed she was 18. Nuwertey claimed the pupil had told him her parents had altered her birth certificate. He admitted that he had initially told police he only had a "professional relationship" with the girl, a statement he now accepts was untrue.

Prosecuting barrister Richard Barrington questioned Nuwertey about entering a sexual relationship with someone who had recently been his student. Nuwertey responded that he did not stop to consider the implications, stating he should have spoken to someone about his emotional state. He also claimed the pupil had initiated the first sexual contact at his house.

Allegations of abuse

The court heard from the pupil, who cannot be named for legal reasons, that she was 15 and approaching 16 when Nuwertey's attention became unwanted. She described multiple instances of rape, including one occasion where Nuwertey is accused of pinning her against a classroom wall and kissing her while grabbing her breasts over her school uniform. Another staff member reportedly witnessed this incident. Nuwertey is also accused of rape in a school storeroom. Police discovered Nuwertey's semen in this storeroom, which he attributed to masturbation.

The pupil also told the court that Nuwertey had expressed a desire for her to carry his baby, referred to her as his "slave", and stated that "no one will ever love me like he did". The prosecution suggested this was not a romantic relationship but the result of grooming.

The trial continues.