Adam Sherwood, a 57-year-old former teacher from Birmingham, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting two boys while working as a private tutor. The offences took place in 2019 and 2023, with Sherwood abusing his position of trust to target his victims.
Abuse at home and at a climbing centre
Sherwood tutored one boy in English and maths at his home in Moseley on a weekly basis. During these sessions, he touched the boy inappropriately over a prolonged period. The abuse only came to light when the boy alerted his parents, leading to a police investigation.
In a separate incident, Sherwood also inappropriately touched another boy under the age of 13 at a climbing centre in Birmingham. Both victims were boys under 13 at the time of the assaults.
Denials and trial
When arrested and interviewed by West Midlands Police, Sherwood denied the touching was sexual. He claimed the first boy's behaviour required him to keep the child still during lessons. In the second case, he alleged he was responding to the boy attempting to kick him in the face while climbing.
Despite his denials, Sherwood was found guilty in March 2024 of four counts of sexual touching of a boy under 13 following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Sentence and registration
Sherwood appeared back at Birmingham Crown Court on June 19, 2024, for sentencing. He was handed a jail term of two years and six months and was placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Constable Sarah Toye, from the Complex Child Abuse Investigation team, who led the investigation, said: “Sherwood was in a position of trust which he took full advantage of to gain access to assault his victims. We are pleased he is now behind bars where he can reflect on his actions. I would like to also praise the two boys who showed such bravery throughout the investigation and court process where both attended to give evidence.”
