Paedophile teacher Jeremy Forrest could meet with former pupil behind bars

Forrest has not seen the girl, now 17, since his trial last year, but it has been suggested that meeting her former teacher in prison could give her "closure".

Officials have reportedly written to Category C HMP Channings Wood in Devon, where Forrest is being held, to outline the potential procedure.

A source told the Daily Mirror: “It is thought that such a meeting could give a lot of closure over the things that happened to them both.

“It would only happen if both sides agreed and the girl was completely happy with it. There is absolutely no pressure from either side.”

Forrest, as well as the girl and her family, have been made aware of the potential meeting and the 17-year-old is reportedly "receptive" to it.

A source close to Forrest told the Daily Mirror: “If it is for the girl’s benefit and well-being, then Jeremy would like this meeting to happen. 

“For the last eight months they have been trying to get this request granted and finally it looks like they are being taken seriously.”

A final decision will be made over the coming weeks by senior social workers at East Sussex Council.

The 32-year-old maths teacher, form Ringmer, Sussex, was jailed last June for abduction and sex with a minor.

Forrest left his wife and career to travel to France with the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

He and the 15-year-old used false names as they went on the run for eight days.

He was arrested by police in Bordeaux after being recognised by a bar worker.

He was convicted at Lewes Crown Court and sent to prison for five-and-a-half years. He also had to sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

During the early days of his imprisonment, Forrest and his former pupil were reported to have exchanged letters.

But it was later claimed that the girl began dating a boy her own age.