Ex-Sidcot School teacher Keith Ruby jailed for ten years for sex abuse

An ex-Sidcot School teacher has been jailed for a decade for sexual activity with a child.

Keith Ruby, aged 36, of Biddisham Lane, Axbridge, was sentenced this morning at Taunton Crown Court after being found guilty of various charges at trial before Christmas.

Judge Graham Hume Jones sentenced Ruby for 16 counts of abusing a pupil – who cannot be named for legal reasons – committed by Ruby after the teacher left Sidcot School in February 2005.

Ruby was found not guilty of four charges relating to his time at Sidcot School. Michael Fitton, defending, stressed none of the abuse happened at the school or its premises.

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The court heard how Ruby used his influence as a rugby coach to abuse the boy – including on a trip abroad and even in the family home.

Judge Jones said when this conduct came to light Ruby denied it, leading to the victim lying to the police to "save the skin" of the man he worshipped.

However, the boy came to his senses when he met Ruby a second time after the incident, when the teacher suggested further misconduct.

Ruby was jailed for ten years, put on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and barred from working with children.

A jury found him not guilty of two counts of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual assault on a child.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Kelvey led the investigation and on sentencing said: "The sentence handed to Keith Ruby today highlights the severity of the crimes he committed against a vulnerable child whilst in a position of trust.

"This conviction has been achieved because of the tremendous courage of this victim and his family. It has taken great bravery to finally come forward and give evidence at this trial.

"Keith Ruby is a manipulative man who insinuated himself into the lives of this victim and his family. He regularly sat at their dinner table and was welcomed into their lives as a trusted friend, teacher and coach to their son. His betrayal and abuse has left them completely distraught.

"In the most calculating fashion, Ruby groomed his victim to gain complete control over him. Such was his hold, it has taken six years for his victim to disclose the abuse he suffered at Ruby's hands."

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, historical or present, contact on 101 or 999 or www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.

See Thursday's Cheddar Valley Gazette for full story.