Former Sussex Teacher Jailed For Sexually Assaulting Children

A former primary school teacher from Lindfield has been jailed for more than four years after sexually assaulting two nine-year-old boys.

Thirty-two-year-old Joseph Haffenden pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual assault by touching and six counts of false imprisonment.

The offences took place between January and February this year and involved what Haffenden described as a "game", during which the boys were tickled under their clothing using his hands and various objects.

Police were alerted after the children disclosed what had happened to adults.

Haffenden was arrested and officers searching his home found items and evidence which supported the boys' accounts. He was suspended from his teaching role and has since been dismissed.

Haffenden, of High Street, Lindfield, was sentenced to 51 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (3 September).

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones praised the bravery of the victims for reporting the offences and urged anyone who has experienced sexual offending to come forward to Police.