Driving Instructor's Conviction Highlights Need for Safer Lessons

0:00On April 9th, a 17-year-old named Morgane Chapman endured sexual assaults from her driving instructor, Michael Florek, during lessons starting. Around 2016, he touched her inappropriately under false pretenses like adjusting her seatbelt or helping with gears. Years later, she reported it, leading to his conviction in October 2024 for assaulting five young pupils up to 2021. The 64-year-old got a suspended prison sentence in a 10-year ban from teaching driving. Complaints about such behavior have surged 64% in five years, from 120% to 164% last year. Per the driver and vehicle standards agency. Other instructors faced jail too, like Jason Eastwood for a year on two counts, Martin Rees for 18 years on 14 offenses including rape, and Neil Addison for assaulting 14 students. Students often freeze up, unsure how to respond due to the instructor's authority and one-on-one setting in isolated spots.

1:02Many delay reporting for years, fearing no proof or backlash, and some schools dismiss claims without evidence. This leaves young learners, mostly teens, vulnerable during a key life milestone. Now, the Fear-Free Charities Emergency Stop Campaign pushes for driving instructors to count as positions of trust under the 2003 Sexual Offences Act. That would criminalize sex with 16 or 17-year-old pupils, even consensual, like for teachers or coaches. They also want independent complaint systems and tougher checks beyond basic criminal records. Lawmakers like Gloucester MP, Alex McIntyre-Backett noting most instructors are solid, but bad ones, exploit the setup. Victims including more game, now 27, speak out to shield others and turn trauma into protection, aiming to make driving less than safe. Empowering again.