Two women sexually assaulted by their driving instructor have bravely waived their right to anonymity to call for a change in the law to protect learners. Michael Florek, 64, abused his position to sexually assault women while on driving lessons with him in Stroud.
Florek would make sexual and inappropriate comments and he would ask them unwanted personal and sexual questions. He sexually assaulted young women – who were aged between 17 and 19 – by brushing his arm and hand against their breasts and by putting his hand on their legs.
Phoebe Horrocks, 24, from Bristol, and Morgane Chapman, 25, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, were both victims to Florek’s crimes, and waived their right to anonymity after Florek was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court earlier this month (17).
Morgane said: “It took me six years to come forward, first to my family, and then to realise that I had to trust the police and justice system to bring this case to light and protect other women and girls from being abused in this environment.”
Phoebe said: “Without one another, we are doubtful that the case would have got this far, and are eternally grateful for the strength and bravery of all the women involved in this trial.
“Our united strength was unwavering in the face of a system where women’s voices are rarely heard, and inspired us to move forward with our truths. It took me years to fully understand the gravity of Mr Florek’s behaviour and the potential extent of his actions, and I will carry the burden of what happened in that car for a lifetime.”
The pair are calling for the following changes to the law to ensure such crimes can’t be repeated:
– Mandatory safeguarding training for all instructors
– Mandatory pre-training agreement to be signed by students and instructors
– A national complaints procedure
– Accessible information for students and guardians on what to expect from lessons
– The re-categorisation of instructors in law to be classed in same category as teachers and sports coaches.
In a joint statement, the pair said: “We want to see amendments made to law to ensure that sexual violence from driving instructors are considered in the same category as those in other trusted positions such as teachers and sports coaches.
“We are committed to driving positive change through speaking with MPs, sexual abuse organisations, and those involved in the training of driving instructors to ensure safeguarding is prioritised over all else. Together, we are here to create change for the future, and that change starts now.”
Following an appearance at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on September 13, Florek was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court and must now have his name added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next ten years.
The 64-year-old was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which prohibits him from working or acting as a driving instructor until October 2034. During that time he must also provide police with the details of any vehicle he owns, uses or has access to.
In defence, Florek said that he may have accidentally made physical contact with the students when he was teaching them about clutch control or if he had to grab the steering wheel to avoid an accident. He stated that on the occasions when this happened, the touching was never sexual.
The judge sentenced Florek to 14 months in prison – suspended for 24 months. He was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and undertake a rehabilitation programme for up to 30 days. He was also ordered to pay £650 in prosecution fees.
Speaking after sentencing, Sergeant Hutton said: “I would like to commend the women who have worked with us to ensure that Florek is sentenced for the crimes he has committed. Thanks to them, and the court measures that have been put in place, the Stroud community is now a safer place.
“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 ten years. He claimed his actions were accidental – 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, and those who pose a risk to people, are held accountable for their vile actions.”