A former teacher who was convicted after being found half-naked with her teenage pupil in a car has moaned about being “stigmatised” by her sex offence.
Eppie Sprung Dawson was arrested after she was caught having sex with a 17-year-old pupil in a car layby by police on patrol in 2012. Officers spotted the married teacher - who was 26-years-old at the time - after noticing condensation on the car windows.
The 38-year-old had met her victim while teaching English at St Joseph’s College in Dumfries, Scotland. Sprung Dawson was charged and pleaded guilty to a breach of trust and was placed on the sex offenders register for six months. She was also struck off the teaching register and given a six-month community payback order.
However, Sprung Dawson has now brought the case back into the public eye after phoning up a radio show to complain about being stigmatised by her criminal past. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland yesterday, Sprung Dawson said: “I have a conviction for a sexual offence.
“I was a teacher and I had an affair with a 17-year-old pupil, so I do have experience of, kind of, living with the challenges that a person can face as a result of having a criminal record.
“I never experienced a custodial sentence, but I certainly did experience stigma. I mean, I had an exceptionally large amount of press coverage, media coverage, for many, many years following my conviction.
“And I think I would say that was the most difficult thing I experienced. But I mean, of course, as with people with a conviction for a sexual offence particularly, face the highest degree of stigma. And so things like employment, even things like not being invited to my daughter’s friends’ birthday parties.”
During her sentencing hearing in 2012, Judge Sherriff George Jamieson slammed her for taking advantage of a teenager. “You were there simply to teach but you have been called into temptation and you have committed adultery - your marriage is gone and your career as a teacher is gone. What you have been charged with is a breach of trust, and I cannot see that there is anything to be gained by a custodial sentence. Had it not been for the fact that you were this young man’s teacher, there would have been no criminality.”
Following her arrest, Sprung Dawson split from her husband and her ex-pupil moved in with her. He reportedly moved out three months later.
The ex-teacher has since set up Next Chapter Scotland, a charity that helps reformed criminals find work. She has since re-married and said she set the charity up to show her kids she won't hide her past. She said: “I'm aware they are going to have to face the stigma of my offence and it would be better for them to have a mum who is using that experience for good.
Impact of the Conviction
Sprung Dawson's conviction has had a significant impact on her life. She lost her job, her marriage, and has faced constant media scrutiny. She has also been ostracized by some members of her community. In addition to not being invited to her daughter’s friends’ birthday parties, Sprung Dawson says she has faced challenges in finding employment.
Fighting Stigma
Despite the challenges she has faced, Sprung Dawson has refused to let her conviction define her. She has dedicated her life to helping others who have been through the criminal justice system and to challenging the stigma surrounding criminal records. She founded Next Chapter Scotland to help people navigate the stigma and discrimination that they can face after a conviction.
The charity aims to create a society which “no longer judges people based on their worst choices but, instead, sees them as they are today.”
Next Chapter Scotland has been handed grants from the National Lottery and other charity funds. Sprung Dawson's work has received recognition from various sources. She has been praised for her dedication to helping others and for her willingness to speak out about the challenges faced by those with criminal records.
Lessons Learned
Sprung Dawson's story is a reminder that a conviction for a sexual offense can have a devastating impact on a person's life. It can lead to loss of employment, social isolation, and mental health issues. However, it is also a testament to the human capacity for resilience and redemption. Sprung Dawson has used her experience to create positive change in the lives of others, proving that it is possible to move forward after a conviction and build a fulfilling life.
Sprung Dawson's story also highlights the importance of challenging the stigma surrounding criminal records. The vast majority of people who have been convicted of crimes are not inherently bad people. They deserve a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.
By supporting organizations like Next Chapter Scotland, we can create a more just and compassionate society that gives everyone a second chance.
A Life Redefined
Sprung Dawson has rebuilt her life, marrying again and having children. She is now a mother of two. She continues to fight for the rights of those with criminal records and to challenge the stigma they face. Sprung Dawson's story shows that it is possible to overcome the stigma of a criminal record and live a happy and fulfilling life. Despite the challenges, she has found a way to move forward and make a positive impact on the world.
She continues to work towards creating a society that is more understanding and compassionate towards those with criminal records, and she hopes to continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
