A former teacher from Penrith has been sentenced for offences relating to a female under 16 years old.

Gary Baum, aged 57, of Penruddock, Penrith, was sentenced today (23rd September) to eight months imprisonment, a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a 10-year notification order.

He was charged with, child abduction, making an indecent photograph of a person under 16, and taking a photograph of a person under 16.

The first charge relates to an incident where a girl entered Baum’s car during school hours on December 9 2015, without permission from her parents or the school, and returned to Baum’s house. The indecent images charges occurred between July 1 and July 16 2015.

DS Esther Wood said: "I am pleased that Baum has been brought before the courts to answer for his actions. His behaviour was completely inappropriate, particularly as at the time of the offences he was in a position of trust. Thankfully cases like these are rare in Cumbria.

"The school have cooperated completely throughout the investigation, and correctly identified the incident on the 9th December and followed their safeguarding protocol by reporting it to us.

"I would like to thank the people who brought this case to our attention, and urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to the police so we can investigate. Protecting children and young people is everyone’s responsibility.”

Anyone who has any concerns should call Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.