A former primary school teacher has been jailed for sexually assaulting two boys after tickling them with a feather and an electric toothbrush. Joseph Haffenden, 32, from West Sussex, pleaded guilty in July to six counts of sexual assault by touching and six counts of false imprisonment.
Incidents described as a 'game'
Two nine-year-old boys were sexually assaulted between January and February this year. The incidents were later disclosed to adults, who reported them to Sussex Police. Both boys gave similar accounts of what Haffenden described as a "game", during which they were allegedly tickled under their clothing using his hands, a feather and an electric toothbrush.
Haffenden was arrested following the allegations. Specialist officers provided support to the boys and their families throughout the investigation.
Evidence and sentencing
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.
He admitted the charges at Lewes Crown Court on July 20. On September 3, he was jailed for 51 months.
Police response
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."
