Theatre school teacher sent explicit texts to child

A theatre school boss continued to work while he was banned from having contact with children and was being investigated for sending sexually explicit messages to a 14-year-old girl.

Chris Higgins, of Sanderling Drive in Poulton-le-Fylde, ran the Cr8iv Little Theatre in Thornton, near Blackpool.

Parents and volunteers at the school said they were unaware the 46-year-old had been under investigation since September 2024.

Higgins, who was arrested for breaking his bail conditions in March last year, was jailed for 10 months.

The 46-year-old's wife and business partner Claire said in a statement: "The offence he was sentenced for was his alone. It is a serious matter which I do not condone in any way and the impact on the victim has been acknowledged."

She added that once her husband was arrested the relevant safeguarding authorities were informed and was advised not to make public comment while the investigation continued.

Lancashire Police said he was bailed under strict conditions not to have any contact with anyone under the age of 18.

But he was not prosecuted over breaching the conditions last year.

Higgins' offending came to light on 5 September 2024 when the victim's father noticed a message pop up from a contact listed as Chris.

He did not know who Chris was but looked at it due to the family rules of spot checking digital devices.

In the messages, Higgins alluded to messages which had been deleted from the previous night and "pushing her too far the night before".

The victim's father filmed all of Higgins' messages on his daughter's phone and contacted police next day.

Higgins was arrested and police found sexually explicit and inappropriate messages on his mobile including his desire to take the child to a hotel in London.

He admitted engaging in sexual communication with a child to Lancaster Magistrates Court earlier this month and was later sentenced along the imposition of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

A victim impact statement from the girl said: "I thought people would be judging me even though no one knew what happened. I wanted to stay in bed all day."

Her parents added: "It has been heartbreaking to witness the transformation of our daughter. She was once a confident, outgoing, and stage-loving child."

Det Con Stacey Billington, from the Blackpool child protection team, said Higgins' "sordid actions have clearly had a profound impact on his victim and her family. I want to praise them for the strength and patience they have shown in this investigation".

Cr8iv is being struck off the company register and waiting to be dissolved.

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