Update: At a sentencing hearing on Monday, March 29, he was jailed for three years. Hobbs was also made the subject of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and was barred from working with children for life.

February 2021

Derbyshire school supervisor guilty of sex crimes against underage girl

A supervisor at a Derbyshire school has admitted to having sexual relations with an underage girl.

Lewis Hobbs pleaded guilty to eight child sex charges when he appeared remotely from his home over a link into Derby Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child – which included full sex with the girl – and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Also linking into the hearing was the mother of the victim who was aged under 16 during the period the defendant abused her.

Hobbs, 28, worked as a supervisor at Granville Academy, in Woodville, Swadlincote, at the time he carried out the offending.

The school has confirmed that as part of his role he covered absences within the PE department.

In a statement, Ian McNeilly, chief executive of The de Ferrers Trust, which oversees the school, said: “Lewis Hobbs was dismissed from his employment at Granville Academy without notice in November 2019.

“This awful case serves as a reminder to all of those who work in any capacity with children that they have a duty to be vigilant around safeguarding matters in order to protect those in our care.”

Hobbs appeared dressed in a white shirt and black tie for the 15-minute hearing the week.

The defendant was asked: “Can you confirm you are Lewis Hobbs?” by the court clerk.

He replied: “Yes I can confirm that,” before going on to enter guilty pleas to all of the counts put to him.

John Farmer, prosecuting, told the hearing: “This is the sort of case where I would expect the court would benefit from a (pre-sentence) report and it is a case where I would expect a victim impact statement will be requested.”

Recorder William Harbage QC agreed with Mr Farmer adjourning the sentencing hearing until March 5.

He told Hobbs, of Heathfield Road, Uttoxeter: “Lewis Hobbs you have pleaded guilty to eight counts and these are clearly serious matters which almost inevitability will lead to a prison sentence.

“But before the court proceeds to sentence they will need a report and the fullest information about you. Do you understand?”

The defendant replied: “I understand your honour.”

Hobbs was placed on the sex offender register. The identity of the victim is protected by law.