Sex-offender ex-teacher Jeremy Forrest pulls out of Gravesend pub gig for 'personal reasons'

The 33-year-old formerly taught at Bromley Common's Bishop Justus School and went to prison after a sexual relationship with a teenage pupil at a school in Eastbourne.

Forrest performs as a musician under the stage name Jeremy Ayre and was due to play an over-18s show at the Red Roar Festival on Thursday night.

But Forrest, formerly of Chislehurst Road, Petts Wood, disappointed organisers and punters by cancelling his appearance at Leo's Red Lion pub in Gravesend.

Adam Fillary, the festival organiser said: "I spoke to him earlier on Thursday and he said he just wasn't ready.

"We've had so many bands pull out that I just don't ask anymore but, broadly, it was for personal reasons.

"This is a music environment and I didn't want his past to affect what he does here.

"We want him to feel comfortable. How does someone integrate into society after something like that?

"Do you think the O2 vets everyone they put on?

"But I spoke to him, and I just said, 'look, if you're not comfortable playing, you don't have to play'."

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In 2012, Forrest fled to France with a 15-year-old girl, sparking an eight-day manhunt.

He was jailed for five-and-a-half years in June 2013 for child abduction and five charges of sexual activity with a child.

Punters expressed their surprise that Forrest was lined up to play at the Red Roar Festival.

A fellow musician, who declined to be named, said: "I've heard the story, but I didn't know he was planning on playing tonight.

"I've never met him or heard him play."

Another musician, from a band called Slurred, said: "I have no idea who that is."

A third rocker added: "I've met him once, and he seemed like a normal, quiet, reserved guy.

"I'm surprised to hear he was that guy, the teacher."

News Shopper reported last month that Forrest had told his new girlfriend that he only ran away with the underage girl to keep her safe.