Former Aldenham School tutor jailed for rape of a teen pupil

A former tutor at Aldenham School has been jailed for raping a pupil more than 30 years ago.

Ian McArthur, 65, of Shenley Road, Watford, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison at St Albans Crown Court on Monday.

McArthur, who taught the 18-year-old at Aldenham School in Hertfordshire in the early 1990s invited her t ohis flat where he forced sex onto her.

The court heard that McArthur had denied of the rape, but was found guilty by a jury following a trial at St Albans Crown Court.

In sentencing McArthur, Judge Michael Kay QC said that the rape had had a “devastating impact” on the victim.

“You have shown no remorse for your actions,” the judge said. “You have shown no empathy for your victim.”

McArthur was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Hertfordshire Police said the woman, who had not been any kind of relationship with Pickford, reported the rape to police in 2020 after “years of mental anguish”.

The court heard the victim felt “paralysed” when he entered the bedroom and raped her.

He further humiliated her by leaving a note in which he described her as a “dead dog”.

In a victim statement, the woman said she had been treated with “utter contempt” by Pickford.

“The rape sucked the confidence from me and robbed me of my teenage memories,” she said.

“He is not only a rapist, but also a thief.

“I felt sullied and devalued by what he had done. I could do nothing to stop what happened in his flat.

“Going to the police was the best decision I could have made and I would implore anyone in my position to do the same.”

Defence barrister Charlotte O’Connor said Pickford had “shown exemplary conduct through his life and lengthy career”.

“He has worked tirelessly for the community,” she said.

He no longer teaches and is a self-employed builder.

Judge Lana Wood said Pickford had shown “an abhorrent attitude to sexual relations” at the time of the crime.

“You were entitled and assumed and presumed consent on no discernible basis,” she said.

“You did not stop to question as to whether she wanted to consent. After the event you treated her with contempt.”