A FEMALE school worker who sexually assaulted an autistic child in a vile “reign of abuse” has been jailed.
Acasia Welburn, now 26, sexually abused a boy under the age of 16 at a North Yorkshire school where she was in a “trusted care position”.
Acasia Welburn
The school worker made contact with the autistic boy on social media – sharing sexual messages and images.
She then subjected the boy to what cops described as a “shocking string of abuse”.
Welburn met the victim on a regular basis for sexual intercourse in her car and flat.
She has now been jailed after pleading guilty to three charges of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.
Welburn, from Telford in Shropshire, was handed a two-and-a-half year sentence at York Crown Court today.
Detective Constable Alison Morris said the case proves that sex offenders like Welburn can be brought to justice.
Morris said: “I cannot commend the victim enough for their incredible courage and determination that they have shown.
“This is another case which demonstrates it is possible for victims to seek and receive justice.
“We would encourage anyone who has been affected by any offending to make contact with the police.”
North Yorkshire abuse cop Morris added: “You will be supported and listened to.”
How to report a sexual assault
Contact a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery.
Contact a voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership.
Call the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247.
Speak to the rape and sexual abuse support line run by Rape Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year).
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