Driving instructor jailed for 18 years after sexually assaulting pupils

A former driving instructor been sentenced to 18 years for raping a 14-year old girl and sexually assaulting a number of his pupils in Manchester.

Martyn Rees, 37, of West Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent, will serve 13 years in custody with 5 years on an extended licence.

He was arrested at an address in Newcastle-under-Lyme last March after a 14-year-old girl reported that she had been raped.

Judge David Fletcher, sentencing Rees today (May 23) at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, said: "Rees had a disturbing and unhealthy interest in young children and extreme pornography."

Detectives from the force’s Child Protection and Exploitation Team (CPET) began a complex investigation. Electronic equipment was seized and detectives found 29 video clips of female students on his phone, as well as footage of a teenager who was unconscious while he sexually assaulted her.

The victims, eight in total, were aged between 14 and 25 at the time of the offences. The incidents took place in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Cheshire and Manchester between February 2015 and March 2018.

In July and December last year, Rees pleaded guilty to nine offences – including two counts of sexual assault and four counts of making an indecent image.

He was found guilty of a further 14 offences in March this year.

'Abused his position as a driving instructor'

Detective Constable Andrew Hayes, from CPET, said: “Today’s sentence reflects just how dangerous Martyn Rees is. Over a number of years Rees offended against vulnerable young females, abusing his position as a driving instructor.

“The successful conviction was only possible due to the bravery and courage of the victims. They were brave enough to report what had happened and had the courage to have their voices heard in court. I hope this is a positive message to victims of similar offences that you will be listened to, you will be believed, you will be supported and the offence will be investigated.

“I’d like to thank our partners, including social care, education and health, as we work together to tackle child sexual exploitation.”

Rees was sentenced today (Thursday 24 May) to 18 years, with 13 years custodial and a further five years on extended licence.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order has been imposed on Rees indefinitely and he will be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.