Long Time International Teacher Faces Extradition for Alleged Abuse

[NellyPB]

A female teacher (Rebecca Richardson) is facing extradition from the UK to Turkey. She has given an interview to The Telegraph but I will try to summarise her case.

After a long stint of international teaching she was accused of insult, assault and sexual assault by a child and her mother. This was back in 2019.

An investigation began and bail terms were dropped because of lack of evidence and she legally returned to her home country. (Assistant with her at all times, windows in class, no other allegations or witness to prove the claims)

However, she was indicted and her legal team have claimed she has not been mentally strong enough to endure detention over a long period of time if requested back.

The Turkish consented to a statement via video link which could have meant the case could be tried. But UK authorities refused. (Criminal case has lasted over 6 years)

There is medical evidence and opinions from both sides which could be abuse or a childhood health issue.

A red notice was issued and she was arrested in April 2024 at her home.

The extradition case has nothing to do with the evidence in the criminal case it is based around ECHR articles. Turkey is a member of Council of Europe and does not need to provide prima facie evidence to extradite UK nationals. Her case in London is focussing on:-

Is it a fair trial?

Will she face inhumane or degradingtreatment/prisons?

Does she have a right to a family life?

There's more if you google news articles to balance your opinion.

We tend to think this will never happen to us, yet I keep hearing of people at home and overseas in caring professions where allegations have occurred and it takes a long time to finalise investigations and legal proceedings.

I'm not naming school or discussing her innocence, character etc. (hey there, moderators) but awareness of safety is necessary. Safeguarding for students and staff alike. Neil Bantelman sent schools into a frenzy of safety and precaution. This case should, too.

Edit: think this link is free https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-sund ... 7045115120

[NellyPB]

FYI have posted this on Reddit, as well.

[xgmontes]

This is honestly terrifying. Makes you realize how vulnerable anyone working abroad can be.

[Surposinin1968]

NellyPB wrote:
> A female teacher (Rebecca Richardson) is facing extradition from the UK to
> Turkey. She has given an interview to The Telegraph but I will try to
> summarise her case.
>
> After a long stint of international teaching she was accused of insult,
> assault and sexual assault by a child and her mother. This was back in
> 2019.
>
> An investigation began and bail terms were dropped because of lack of
> evidence and she legally returned to her home country. (Assistant with her
> at all times, windows in class, no other allegations or witness to prove
> the claims)
>
> However, she was indicted and her legal team have claimed she has not been
> mentally strong enough to endure detention over a long period of time if
> requested back.
>
> The Turkish consented to a statement via video link which could have meant
> the case could be tried. But UK authorities refused. (Criminal case has
> lasted over 6 years)
>
> There is medical evidence and opinions from both sides which could be abuse
> or a childhood health issue.
>
> A red notice was issued and she was arrested in April 2024 at her home.
>
> The extradition case has nothing to do with the evidence in the criminal
> case it is based around ECHR articles. Turkey is a member of Council of
> Europe and does not need to provide prima facie evidence to extradite UK
> nationals. Her case in London is focussing on:-
>
> Is it a fair trial?
>
> Will she face inhumane or degradingtreatment/prisons?
>
> Does she have a right to a family life?
>
> There's more if you google news articles to balance your opinion.
>
> We tend to think this will never happen to us, yet I keep hearing of people
> at home and overseas in caring professions where allegations have occurred
> and it takes a long time to finalise investigations and legal proceedings.
>
> I'm not naming school or discussing her innocence, character etc. (hey
> there, moderators) but awareness of safety is necessary. Safeguarding for
> students and staff alike. Neil Bantelman sent schools into a frenzy of
> safety and precaution. This case should, too.
>
> Edit: think this link is free
> https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-sund ... 7045115120
This situation is genuinely alarming, as it underscores the vulnerabilities faced by individuals working abroad, especially when they lack access to local support or legal safeguards

[NellyPB]

The extradition case verdict will be given, 25th June.
Both parties may appeal so this could run for another 18 months due to back logs in court cases in the UK.
Remember, even if Rebecca is not extradited, the criminal case in Türkiye will still proceed and all legal means of appeal in their legal system have to occur until she is able to have her case considered by the ECHR.
This is years and years of a somebody’s life.
The obvious criticism is why she just never returned? For Rebecca it seems she did not want to revoke her rights as a UK citizen and sought support from her family. As international teachers we are foreigners and not citizens of our host countries.

[PsyGuy]

More accurately ITs are guests in foreign countries, but how would being a Turkish citizen have made any difference in this case? Its Turkiye, but even if it wasnt, say it was the UK, how would it be any different, a nicer prison, a less stressful detention facility? I dont see any meaningful differences in the prosecution of such a case between jurisdictions. Its the word of a student and a parent vs. an IT and an aide, the forensics could go either way depending on interpretation (someone maybe abused the child but as to who is a quagmire). The whole fragility and detention is a red herring, should only mentally and physically fit individuals be held accountable for their actions (assuming the IT is guilty).
The only real lesson in this is dont go to Turkiye.

[NellyPB]

@PsyGuy

With all respect to survivors out there, this case might not just a mother and daughter’s word against a teacher and TA. These cases need to be sensitively and respectfully addressed but also investigated thoroughly. You cannot send what could be an innocent person to prison just because the allegation involves such a delicate subject area. Head over heart has to prevail.

If I can lay out points heard in court as plainly as as possible:

-family reported case 3 days after alleged event
-two medical exams in 24 hours. Second report had further injuries/issues.Defendant had ceased contact with child days before both exams were made.
-Mother’s claims were different to child.
-Evidence collected for DNA were from an incident at home days later and not from school.
-Two named children who were also alleged to have been abused could not corroborate the allegations.
-The alleged incidents occurred in an open plan building in a shared bathroom and dining area. There was a high volume of staff, parents and children present.
-Parents (who are claimants in the case) accused Richardson of fleeing after she left the country when her bail was lifted due to lack of evidence in the case.
-Richardson did not return to Türkiye stating mental Health issues. Therefore she has not attended hearings or had her DNA sample taken.
-Rebecca’s Turkish lawyers have attempted to have a statement heard by video link, in an Embassy and by law enforcement.The severity of the alleged crime, means her appeals were rejected.

However, this is my peeve. If she has been arrested in UK she would have automatically had a DNA sample taken. Why can’t this profile be shared with Türkiye? Is this me being a really naive and unscientific person?

[NellyPB]

Also @PsyGuy

Are all jurisdictions the same? The little I know of both countries systems is one has a judge only trial, the other has a jury. I’m sure both have their failures but where would you prefer to be detained or on bail? Check it out. How about charging levels and evidence tests. Let’s throw in social and child service checks (a question mark in this affair, too).

Those pesky human rights do allow people a right to a private and family life. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty and this has rolled on for years and due process could make it continue for some more. According to her article she has already lost her father and she would likely not see her mother again if she was to return.

I’m leaving it there, but I’d not wish this on any teacher or school, especially with such weak evidence as the media about it suggests.

[PsyGuy]

@NellyPB

Yes it is, its the testimony of a parent and a child against an IT and TA. If the IT in question were to return to Türkiye and submit a DNA sample it might well be prima facie evidence to exonerate her.
In response to your points:
~ So what? Is there a time line that mandates a victims report to be believable, or is it just in your mind that anything less than an immediate report is suspect. Maybe the parent didnt immediately believe it, maybe the victim didnt immediately report it to their parent.
~ So what? People arent perfect, and theres nothing sacrosanct about the first report. I read essays and papers all the time and I find different issues and even ideas in a second reading. Further, two different practitioners can reach different conclusions and have different finding. People arent perfect.
~ So what? The parent wasnt present at the time of the crime, they are having to organize reports and information themselves. Add shock, trauma, confusion, frustration, and anger and there are going to be discrepancies.
~ So what? Was the DNA stable enough for typing and identification, otherwise whats the issue? They obtained the ITs DNA from eBay or Amazon?
~So what? The other victims were victimized at different times and places, why would they have to corroborate this victims assault?
~ So what? pedo abusers cant be creative and inventive in carrying out their abuse? There was a witness, the victim. What you expect an accomplished abuser to commit their crimes in plain sight, only Trump can get away with that.
~ Yes, they made that claim because she ran.
~ Yes, the mental health concern being that detention and incarceration is unpleasant and likely to have a negative impact on ones mental health.
~ Shes the abuser she doesnt get to dictate the terms of the investigation or judicial process. She also ran, why should she be given any accommodation at all.

Thats a great point, if DNA will exonerate the IT, get on a plane and go back to Türkiye, and let the DNA clear the IT.

No all jurisdictions are not the same and they dont have to be. if you dont like the idea of a bench trial as opposed to a jury trail than dont go to countries that dont have juries.

Id prefer a bench trial in this case. A judge is more likely to focus solely on the evidence which if DNA is exonerating is likely to go the defendants way, where as jurors, will have a greater propensity to focus on emotional issues. Someones got to be held accountable and a foreigner makes an easy target.

What about charging levels and evidence tests. If you dont like the judicial system in Türkiye dont go to Türkiye.
Why should the presence or absence of social or child services checks matter, thats a straw-man fallacy.
They arent pesky human rights. There isnt a human right to privacy, you just think there should be because thats your position. You might have a 'legal' right to privacy and family but thats not the same as a human right.
You are presumed innocent until proven guilty, you know whats a strong indicator of guilt? Fleeing the jurisdiction.

You state you wouldnt wish this on any edu; what if she did it?

[NellyPB]

My word @PsyGuy you’ve made some big old assumptions here not based on any facts. Read some court minutes and maybe the judgement when it is released. I know you like a bit of rage baiting but careful what you stir up.

“Key aspects of Article 8:
Right to Private Life:
This includes various aspects of personal autonomy, such as personal development, physical and psychological integrity, and reputation.
Right to Family Life:
This protects the right to establish and maintain relationships with family members, including those arising from biological or social ties.
Right to Home:
This encompasses the right to a secure and stable dwelling, and can extend to situations involving environmental protection.
Right to Correspondence:
This protects the confidentiality of communication, including letters, emails, and other forms of communication.
Interference by Public Authorities:
While Article 8 protects these rights, it also acknowledges that public authorities may need to interfere with them in certain circumstances.
Legitimate Aims:
Interference with Article 8 rights can be justified if it is necessary to protect national security, public safety, the economic well-being of the country, prevent disorder or crime, protect health or morals, or protect the rights and freedoms of others.
Proportionality:
Any interference must be proportionate to the aim pursued. This means the interference must be necessary and not excessive in relation to the legitimate aim being pursued.”

[PsyGuy]

@NellyPB

I am making assumptions, but youre making assumptions, the news outlets are making assumptions, the court is making assumptions and a number of the actors in this case are making assumptions.

Those are legal rights not human rights. The designation of them as "human" rights is nothing more than an arbitrary labeling of a subset of legal rights that reside along a continuum. We want to convey that they are some how more important or more substantive than other legal rights but its still a legal/judicial system and process. Theres nothing human about your citation provided, they are rights that belong to humans, but most rights, including those not labeled human rights apply to or exclusively apply to humans.

[NellyPB]

@psyguy

~ So what? Is there a time line that mandates a victims report to be believable, or is it just in your mind that anything less than an immediate report is suspect. Maybe the parent didnt immediately believe it, maybe the victim didnt immediately report it to their parent.

The parents reported it to school first, then three days later to the police. The child was interviewed the next week.

~ So what? People arent perfect, and theres nothing sacrosanct about the first report. I read essays and papers all the time and I find different issues and even ideas in a second reading. Further, two different practitioners can reach different conclusions and have different finding. People arent perfect.

The medical reports were taken within 24 hours of each other. There were more bruises and issues in the second report. They were not ‘missed’ as those areas had already been thoroughly examined in the first examination. The defence expert report says that the injuries are more likely to do with a common health complaint. Photos provided say this issue continues months after the alleged abuse.

~ So what? The parent wasnt present at the time of the crime, they are having to organize reports and information themselves. Add shock, trauma, confusion, frustration, and anger and there are going to be discrepancies.

The mother said all fifteen members of the class were involved in what sounded like a very florid and outlandish event. She claimed other staff knew and were either being silenced by Richardson or intimidated by school.
The defence expert report says the child was uncooperative in her interview and she was led to answer some questions.

~ So what? Was the DNA stable enough for typing and identification, otherwise whats the issue? They obtained the ITs DNA from eBay or Amazon?

It is not clear who has been eliminated by DNA. Richardson has been accused of ‘touching’. There was no penetration according to medical exams.

~So what? The other victims were victimized at different times and places, why would they have to corroborate this victims assault?

I’ve answered this.

~ So what? pedo abusers cant be creative and inventive in carrying out their abuse? There was a witness, the victim. What you expect an accomplished abuser to commit their crimes in plain sight, only Trump can get away with that.

This is the only abuse Richardson has been charged with. The alleged events were said to have occurred during lunch with other students and in the children’s shared toilet area. The claimants say it was happening in plain sight and again, witnesses were being intimidated not to come forward.

~ Yes, they made that claim because she ran.

True, but she left legally.

~ Yes, the mental health concern being that detention and incarceration is unpleasant and likely to have a negative impact on ones mental health.

True

~ Shes the abuser she doesnt get to dictate the terms of the investigation or judicial process. She also ran, why should she be given any accommodation at all.

She is the alleged abuser and the burden of proof lies with the alleged victim and claimant. She has a right to defend herself and reputation.

I’m off to enjoy my vacation now.

[PsyGuy]

@NellyPB

In direct reply:

1) A week and a half for three reports, given the trauma this seems very reasonable to me. Its not like it was months later.

2) Thats how bruising works. Its common for bruising to develop over 24 hours. Two different medical providers saw different things, its called a second opinion. thorough examination can still result in missed observations, thorough doesnt mean perfect.

Oh the DEFENSE expert, they cant be wrong or bias. Nor does "more likely" mean impossible, as in "is it possible the injuries could have been caused by the abuse?", the answer to that is usually yes.

3) Florid and outlandish to you, but that doesnt mean its not true. This is ISR we certainly see leadership and ISs engage in a vast array of misconduct, its entirely in the realm of possible that leadership and ownership at the IS is engaging in intimidation.

Again the DEFENSE expert says the child was uncooperative. Could be because the DEFENSE expert isnt an advocate for the victim.

4) Forensic evidence can be obtained through touching, it does not require penetration. Its the central tenet of transfer evidence.

5) No you havent.

6) Every serial abuser has no other abuse until their first, or maybe this is just the first time the IT has been caught.

7) She didnt return legally, thats why the extradition.

8) The burden of proof lies with the prosecution not the victim, BUT I agree with you she does have a right to defend herself, so get on a plane, return to the jurisdiction she voluntarily entered into, and for which she agreed to return as a condition of their release, and exercise their rights, and defend themselves.

[NellyPB]

@PsyGuy

In direct reply:

1) why didn’t they go the police straight away?

2) Richardson had had no contact with the child for 3 or 4 days but bruising allegedly occurs in between exams. The other injury is NOT bruising.

Court experts give opinions. It was the fact that the family continued to photograph the child months later and the same type of injury was occurring in slightly different areas. It is only an opinion but it has to be considered.

3) 15 children engaging in a sex act? The mother’s story also grows and changes?

There is a video of the child (viewed by the judge) and she can be observed. It is not just the defence opinion.

4) Forensic evidence can be obtained through touching but it is her underwear being tested (from an incident at home) three days after the alleged event. It is still unclear if there was foreign DNA. Also it does not appear to be a significant issue in the trial. Touch DNA would be possible on clothes (especially as an Early Years Teacher) would it not? All we know is the child did not corroborate the mother’s claims.

5) The claimants said other children were in the area or being abused at the same time. It’s fuzzy.

6) Serial abuser? She’s been accused of one crime. It’s been headline news in two countries.

7) Her bail was rescinded. She had no conditions to stay. There were no conditions to return. She had not been charged.

8) Richardson’s team have attended every court hearing and a video statement was attempted. Her reason for not returning? That’s hers and might not just be a sign of obvious guilt.

Finally, there are horrific offenders out there. What if this is not one of them and a rare case of a false allegation? I know she will not be getting your support but hope she does elsewhere.