North Yorkshire school worker abused autistic boy in car and apartment

A North Yorkshire school worker sexually abused a teenager in her car and home.

Acasia Welburn, 26, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust. Welburn appeared at York Crown Court for sentencing.

The court heard that Welburn’s series of abuse took place while she was employed at a school in North Yorkshire, where she worked as a trusted carer. The defendant, of New Road, Telford, initiated sexual contact with an autistic teenager.

The court heard that she initially made contact with the boy through social media, exchanging sexual messages and images, before a shocking series of assaults followed as she regularly met the victim for sexual intercourse in her car and home.

After the verdict Detective Constable Alison Morris, of North Yorkshire Police’s Sexual Abuse Case Team, said: “I cannot praise the victim enough for her incredible bravery and determination. This is another case that shows it is possible for victims to seek and receive justice. We would encourage anyone affected by a crime to contact police. You will be supported and listened to.”