East Grinstead primary school teacher charged with sexual assaults

A West Sussex primary school teacher has been charged with the sexual assault of two children.

Police received a report on Thursday (12 February) that two boys had been sexually assaulted between January and February of this year.

An investigation was launched and Joseph Haffenden, 32, of High Street in Lindfield, was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of false imprisonment.

Haffenden is a teacher at St Peter's Catholic Primary School in East Grinstead, but has been suspended by the school. Both victims and their families are being supported by specialist officers.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today (14 February), where he was remanded in custody to appear before a court to be confirmed on Friday, 13 March. 

D/Supt Jay Mendis-Gunasekera said: “We acted swiftly as soon as these allegations were received to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures were in place.

“We will continue to engage with our partners and the school to ensure there are no wider concerns as we look ahead to trial.”