Teacher faces nine rape charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court

Darlington Nuwertey, a 32-year-old teacher from Bexleyheath, is currently on trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He faces nine charges of rape and one charge of adult abuse of position of trust. The prosecution alleges that Nuwertey, who taught at Oasis Academy Silvertown in east London, targeted a student by offering her additional assistance with her science studies.

Allegations in Court

Richard Burrington, representing the prosecution, told the court that Nuwertey began showing interest in the student when she was in Year 10, approaching the age of 16. It is alleged that Nuwertey took advantage of the power imbalance between them as teacher and student. The court heard that on one occasion, when the student was alone with Nuwertey in a classroom, he allegedly locked the door, pinned her against a wall, and groped her over her school uniform. A science technician reportedly witnessed suspicious behaviour and reported it to senior staff, initiating an internal investigation. The prosecution claims Nuwertey pressured the student to lie about the incident and sent her inappropriate messages and images via Snapchat, arranging to meet her in a storeroom where he is accused of raping her multiple times.

Nuwertey has since left Oasis Academy and began working at Bexleyheath Academy. The complainant alleges that several months later, Nuwertey contacted her, invited her to his house, and told her he wanted her to carry his baby before raping her. Further allegations include Nuwertey picking her up on subsequent occasions, taking her to his house, and on one instance, raping her in his car after again stating he wanted her to carry his baby. The prosecution also stated that Nuwertey texted the student claiming his wife had discovered their relationship and blocked her on messaging apps. The student's father reportedly became suspicious of her spending, discovered unexplained payments, and the student subsequently broke down and revealed the alleged abuse.

Defence and Next Steps

Upon his arrest, Darlington Nuwertey provided a prepared statement denying all allegations of sexual activity with a child, any sexual contact with the complainant, and the charges of rape. He maintains that his relationship with the complainant was strictly professional. The trial is ongoing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.