Stalking Conviction Prompts Calls for Greater Learner Driver Safeguards

A woman who was subjected to stalking by her driving instructor is advocating for enhanced protection measures for individuals learning to drive. Ashley Watson, 61, of Abbeymead, Gloucester, was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Swindon Crown Court for the offense of stalking. Watson’s victim stated that he “made her life hell,” expressing that she only ever ‘”wanted it to stop”‘. This call for action comes after a Freedom of Information request by the BBC revealed that more than 500 complaints of inappropriate or sexual behavior by instructors were lodged with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) between 2020 and 2023. Now in her 20s, Watson’s victim began driving lessons at the age of 17 while living in foster care. She described herself as “vulnerable” and recounted that he befriended her, offered her a safe place to stay, but subsequently “became obsessed” with her. She detailed his actions, saying, “He would follow me, he would spread lies about me, send me cards in the post.” She added, “If I said I wanted to be left alone he’d send me pictures saying he’d end his life.” The stalking behavior intensified after she reported him to the police. She observed, “I saw him at the end of the road, sat on the corner. I caught him outside my house looking through my bin.” Following his arrest, Watson was released on bail, a period during which she claims things “just got worse.” At one point, she was wrongly arrested, which she described as “probably the hardest part about this… it really affected me.” Watson pleaded guilty to stalking at Gloucester Crown Court in September and was issued a suspended sentence and a seven-year restraining order on Thursday. The Wiltshire charity FearFree, which assists individuals impacted by stalking and domestic abuse, provided support to his victim throughout the process. Jayne, who served as her stalking advocate, characterized the impact on the victim as “horrendous.” Jayne further commented, “Her age, her vulnerability and the whole situation was extremely concerning for everyone involved in this case.” Moving forward, Jayne expressed a desire to see more specialized support available for victims. She emphasized, “The way stalking affects people who are targeted by stalkers is really unique and requires specialist support. There are lots of gaps in the criminal justice system and I think the persistent and repeat nature of stalking means victims need specialist advocates.” In response to the Freedom of Information request, the DVSA stated: “The safety of learner drivers is our priority and we treat complaints extremely seriously and in confidence.” The agency continued, “We fully investigate any complaints about approved driving instructors (ADI), involving the police if necessary,” and encouraged, “Pupils are encouraged to report all incidents of inappropriate ADI conduct to us.” Watson’s victim articulated her wish for more regulations to be implemented to protect pupils, especially those under 18. She argued, “He was in a position of power over me and even though he’s in a position of power the law doesn’t recognise him as in a position of trust – that needs to change.” ‘Position of trust’ is a legal term referring to specific roles and settings where an adult has regular and direct contact with children. Examples include teachers, care workers, youth justice workers, social workers, and doctors. To become an approved driving instructor, an individual must be considered a “fit and proper” person. The DVSA takes into account factors such as whether a person has been barred from working with children or has received any substantial complaints of inappropriate behavior. Watson’s victim is not the sole individual advocating for change. In October, Michael Florek, 64, a driving instructor from Gloucestershire, was found guilty of sexually assaulting five of his students during lessons. He received a suspended prison sentence and a 10-year ban from the profession. Phoebe Horrocks, 24, and Morgane Chapman, 26, who have chosen to waive their right to anonymity, have publicly discussed how Florek assaulted them and made inappropriate comments during lessons. They have launched a campaign to enhance safeguarding for pupils and also seek amendments to the law. They stated, “We believe that driving instructors do have a big influence over people often due to the informal nature of the relationship.” They elaborated, “It’s normal for them to have your number to contact you, your details, your home address and so all of those factors can create such a vulnerability that enables the instructor to be in a position of trust, someone that you trust with not only your personal details, but also your physical space.” Despite Watson being issued a restraining order, his victim conveyed that she remains concerned. She remarked, “He almost took my life away without actually killing me.”