A former West Sussex primary school teacher has been jailed for more than four years after pleading guilty to the sexual assault and false imprisonment of two nine-year-old boys.
Joseph Haffenden, 32, of High Street, Lindfield, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 7 September 2026 for sentencing. He had previously entered a guilty plea to six counts of sexual assault by touching and six counts of false imprisonment.
The court heard that the offences took place between January and February 2026. Haffenden was a primary school teacher at the time. According to Sussex Police, the force received the initial report regarding his conduct on 12 February 2026.
Details of the offences
During the investigation, it emerged that Haffenden had used the pretext of a “game” to carry out the assaults. The court was told that he tickled the children with items including a feather and a toothbrush under their clothing.
The 51-month prison sentence (four years and three months) follows a comprehensive investigation by detectives into the reports involving the two young victims.
The specific school where Haffenden was employed has not been named by authorities to protect the identity of the children involved.
Victims of similar crimes or those with concerns regarding child safety can contact Sussex Police or seek assistance from specialised support organisations such as the NSPCC or the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC).