Driving instructor sexually assaulted students

Florek will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for the next 10 years

A driving instructor who sexually assaulted five of his students during lessons has been banned from the profession for 10 years.

Michael Florek, 64, of Eastington in Gloucestershire, committed the crimes while working in the Stroud area.

He was found guilty of sexually assaulting the women, who were aged between 17 and 19, by brushing his arm and hand against their breasts and putting his hand on their legs.

Florek was given a 14-month jail term, suspended for two years, at Gloucester Crown Court on 17 October.

Florek said that he may have "accidentally made physical contact" with the students while teaching them about clutch control, or if he had to grab the steering wheel to avoid an accident.

He alleged that on these occasions, the touching was never sexual.

However, the court heard how Florek would make sexual and inappropriate comments to the women during their lessons, and would ask them unwanted personal and sexual questions.

He was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault, committed over a five-year period, at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 13 September.

At his sentencing he was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £650 in prosecution costs and take part in 30 days of rehabilitation.

Under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order, Florek must also provide the police with the details of any vehicles he owns, uses or has access to.

He will have his name on the Sex Offenders' Register for the next 10 years.

'Vile actions'

Speaking after sentencing, Sgt Hutton of Gloucestershire Police praised the victims for coming forward.

"Thanks to them, and the court measures that have been put in place, the Stroud community is now a safer place," he said.

"Florek abused his position as a driving instructor to sexually assault women and I welcome the decision to ban him from the profession for the next 10 years.

"There is no excuse for committing sexual offences, and I would like to encourage anyone who has been sexually assaulted to please come forward.

"We will listen, you will be believed and we are dedicated to ensuring sexual offenders are held accountable for their vile actions."