Former primary school teacher jailed for child sex offences

News Home More from The Guide Photo courtesy of Sussex Police Former primary school teacher Joseph Haffenden has been jailed for sexually assaulting two children. Haffenden, 32, pleaded guilty in July to six counts of sexual assault by touching and six counts of false imprisonment. It followed a report on 12 February relating to two nine-year-old boys who had been sexually assaulted between January and February this year. Both boys provided similar accounts of a what Haffenden labelled a 'game' 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.' More from The Guide Police called to reports of a stabbing in Eastbourne Police called to Susan's Road in Eastbourne Police called to reports of a stabbing in Eastbourne Twelve friends, 50km across the South Downs, 11 workouts, in memory of two little girls Two of the group, Matt Vince and Marcellus Edmonds, are cousins through marriage. In 2022, just six weeks apart, they each lost a daughter. Matt's daughter Luna-Rose was 3. Marcellus's daughter Jemima was 8, after an asthma attack. Twelve friends, 50km across the South Downs, 11 workouts, in memory of two little girls Police carry out speeding checks on Friday Street in Eastbourne amid dangerous driving concerns Sussex Police have carried out a targeted speed enforcement operation on Friday Street in Eastbourne following a surge of public concern regarding dangerous and antisocial driving. Police carry out speeding checks on Friday Street in Eastbourne amid dangerous driving concerns Vehicle overturns near Hailsham yesterday morning A vehicle overturned on the A22 in the Hailsham area on the morning of Saturday, 5 September 2026, leading to emergency services being called to the scene Vehicle overturns near Hailsham yesterday morning Stay Safe This Bonfire Season: Choose Local Events East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to 'Choose Local' for Bonfire Season, by enjoying an organised bonfire or fireworks display in their community rather than celebrating at home. Stay Safe This Bonfire Season: Choose Local Events Nurses release song to raise funds for hospice care A palliative care nurse who works at St Wilfrid's Hospice in Eastbourne has written and released a song with friends and colleagues in a bid to raise £10,000 for the charity. Nurses release song to raise funds for hospice care Eastbourne roller-skating rink to reopen with free session after flooding My Skate World in Eastbourne is officially reopening on Friday, 4 September 2026, following a two-week closure caused by severe flood damage. Eastbourne roller-skating rink to reopen with free session after flooding NHS flu vaccine rollout begins across South East for winter The NHS winter flu vaccine rollout has officially launched across the South East, initiating its first phase on 1 September 2026.