School worker jailed for sexually abusing autistic boy under 16 | Crime

A school worker has been jailed for sexually abusing an autistic boy who was under 16 at the time, police said.

Acasia Welburn, now 26, was working at a North Yorkshire school in a “trusted care position” when she abused the child.

Welburn sent messages to the boy on social media and began sharing sexual messages and images. She then began regularly meeting the teenager for sex in his car and flat, in what North Yorkshire Police described as “a series of shocking abuses”.

Welburn, of Telford, Shropshire, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust. She was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison at York Crown Court on Friday.

Constable Alison Morris, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I cannot praise the victim enough for the incredible courage and determination she has shown.

“This is another case that demonstrates that it is possible for victims to seek and obtain justice.

“We encourage anyone affected by a crime to contact the police. They will be supported and listened to.”