A primary school teacher has been jailed for sexually assaulting two children.
Joseph Haffenden, 32, pleaded guilty in July to six counts of sexual assault by touching and six counts of false imprisonment.
Haffenden was suspended from this job as a teacher at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, in East Grinstead, when the allegations came to light and has since been sacked.
On Thursday (3 September) at Lewes Crown Court, he was jailed for more than four years by Judge Mark Van der Zwart.
Sussex Police said: “It followed a report on Thursday 12 February relating to two nine-year-old boys who had been sexually assaulted in January and February this year.
“Both boys provided similar accounts of a what Haffenden labelled a ‘game’ whereby the victims were tickled under their clothing with his hands, a feather, and an electric toothbrush.
“The offences were disclosed to adults who reported it to Sussex Police.
“Haffenden, of High Street in Lindfield, was arrested and the victims and their families were supported by specialist officers.
“Officers searched Haffenden’s property and found a number of items suggesting an interest in children and evidence which supported the victims’ accounts.
“Haffenden was suspended from a teaching role and has subsequently been dismissed.
“At Lewes Crown Court on Monday 20 July, Haffenden admitted the charges.
“On Thursday (3 September), Haffenden was jailed for 51 months.”
Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said: “Haffenden’s disturbing crimes suggest a clear sexual interest in children that jar alarmingly with his position as a teacher.
“Thanks to the bravery of his victims for reporting his offending, we have been able to bring him to justice and ensure he can pose no further risk to children.
“I would urge any other victims of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, to report online or phone 101 so we can investigate, support you and seek the justice you deserve.”
