A teacher from East London has appeared in court accused of sexually abusing pupils at her former school in South London. Julia Yeates, 28, spoke only to confirm her name in the dock at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday morning (May 14), while supporters sat in the public gallery alongside family members of the complainants.
Ms Yeates – a former humanities teacher at London Southbank University Academy in Walworth – wore a dark polka dot blouse and black trousers as Judge David Richards fixed a trial for October 5 2025, with a plea hearing expected on June 23 this year.
Ms Yeates, of Monier Road in Hackney, is yet to enter pleas on five offences. Court documents show Ms Yeates is charged with two counts of ‘Adult abuse of position of trust – sexual activity with a [child]’; one count of ‘Sexual communication with a child’; and ‘Sexual activity in presence of a child 13 to 17’.
On the sexual activity with a child counts, the charges allege Ms Yeates ‘intentionally touched [a child] and the touching was sexual’.
On the sexual communication count, the charge alleges Ms Yeates ‘intentionally communicated with [a child] the communication being sexual namely sending images of your naked breasts’.
On the sexual activity in the presence of a child count, the charge alleges Ms Yeates ‘intentionally engaged in a sexual activity in the presence of that child intending that the child should be aware that you were engaging in that activity’.
Explaining the delay in hearing her case, Judge Richards said: “It’s a long time to wait. Those delays are inevitable due to the amount of work we have to get through.”
Ms Yeates wore sunglasses and looked down as she left the courthouse.
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