‘Disgruntled student who failed Middlesbrough College course’ harassed member of staff

A disgruntled student harassed a staff member and sent offensive emails to schools across Teesside after he failed a college course, a court heard.

Deke Boddy appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court^[1] on Friday where he admitted a string of offences – including assaulting a police officer and 12 counts of sending messages which were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.

Lynne Dalton, prosecuting, said: “When he was arrested he makes some unpleasant comments to the officer and kicks the officer in the chest. Mr Boddy is disgruntled at failing a course at Middlesbrough College^[2].”

• Magistrates heard how Boddy, of Wrensfield Road, Stockton^[5], ‘appealed against the fail of the course’ but then targeted a member of staff at the college with offensive emails. He then sent offensive emails to a number of other schools and colleges, the Middlesbrough^[6] court heard.

  The 37-year-old, who wore a black suit to court, was of previous good character before admitting 16 offences. As well as the 12 charges for emails sent, Boddy also pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker, one count of harassment without violence and two public order offences.

  Among the schools and organisations Boddy sent emails to are: Priory Woods School, Teesside Freeport, McMillan Academy, Holmwood Priory School, Horizon Academy Trust, Trinity Catholic College and Kings Academy Sixth Form College. Boddy, who was represented by Ben Pegman, will next appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on February 12.

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References

1. ^{^} Teesside Magistrates’ Court (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Middlesbrough College (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
3. ^{^} Confirmed! Nike to open new store at Teesside Park as images show striking new orange frontage (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
4. ^{^} Residents in shock after waking to sirens as two arrested in probe into tragic death of one-year-old (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
5. ^{^} Stockton (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
6. ^{^} Middlesbrough (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
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