A former teacher was described as “vile” for sending an inappropriate video to a teenage boy in a grooming case, according to a court hearing. Aaron Waterworth, a history teacher aged 33, initiated contact with the teenager on Grindr and Snapchat in 2022.

During the proceedings at Bradford Crown Court, it was revealed that the teenager had initially claimed to be 18 years old on his profile but the conversation quickly turned explicit. Despite learning that the boy was under 18, Waterworth, who had previously taught at Rastrick High School in West Yorkshire, continued to engage in inappropriate discussions about the teenager’s sexual experiences and virginity.

Subsequently, Waterworth sent a lewd photo of himself and an indecent video after the communication shifted to Snapchat. Although Waterworth ceased contact later on, a police investigation was launched following a report. Waterworth, hailing from Halifax, was charged in late 2025 and pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a child to witness a sexual act during his court appearance in January.

In a personal statement read in court, the boy described how Waterworth exploited his vulnerability, labeling the defendant’s actions as despicable and branding him a predator. Waterworth’s defense attorney, Lauren Smith, highlighted his previously unblemished character and emphasized the loss of his teaching career as a form of punishment.

Acknowledging his guilt and showing remorse, Waterworth’s lawyer indicated that he could potentially receive a suspended prison sentence due to strong mitigating factors. Recorder Simon Kealey KC noted the grooming behavior involved and highlighted the significant impact on the victim and his family.

The judge stated that Waterworth, having acknowledged his actions and lost his teaching profession, would not be allowed to teach again. Waterworth received an 11-month suspended jail term with conditions, including community service, rehabilitation activity requirements, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years, and registration as a sex offender. Additionally, a restraining order preventing contact with the victim for a decade and a £1,000 cost order were imposed by Recorder Kealey.