Eton College headmaster apologises after former trainer jailed for sexual assault
Jacob Leland, who taught Russian at the prestigious boarding school, was jailed for sexually assaulting one of his students at his teachers’ accommodation and during a school trip
Jacob Leland was sentenced to three years and three months’ imprisonment(Image: PA Media)
The headmaster of Eton College has issued “unreserved apologies” on behalf of the institution following the jailing of a former teacher for sexually assaulting a student.
Jacob Leland, who taught Russian at the elite boarding school, was sentenced on Friday for sexually abusing one of his pupils both at his staff quarters and during a school excursion. Simon Henderson, the current head of Eton College where yearly fees exceed £60,000, expressed his horror at Leland’s offences in a statement.
“Eton needs to acknowledge not only that something this serious was able to take place at our school, but also that it took several years for the details of what happened to come to light,” Mr Henderson said.
“As headmaster, I remain appalled that this abuse happened at Eton. Mr Leland’s criminal conduct represents the most egregious breach of trust.
“Those who were directly impacted by Mr Leland’s actions had the right to be safe and secure in our care.”
He continued: “I reiterate my unreserved apologies to them on behalf of the school.”
The court heard on Friday that Leland had been “trusted” by a housemaster from one of the school’s 25 boarding houses to supervise pupils and follow institutional regulations.
The ex-teacher, who was 23-years-old when he committed the offences in 2012, initially attacked the student after inviting him and his mates to his flat, where he provided them with alcohol and cigarettes.
He eventually requested that the student’s friends leave, then kissed him before seizing his hands and positioning them on his own groin, the hearing at Reading Crown Court heard.
Shortly following this incident, Leland carried out a third sexual assault on the complainant by performing oral sex on him during a school excursion.
Leland, of Gatcombe Road in Islington, London, was convicted of three counts of sexual assault on a male on October 14 last year after a trial at Reading Crown Court and jailed for three years and three months on Friday.
Judge Kirsty Real, during sentencing, told the defendant: “The relationship of teacher and student at a school gives rise, undoubtedly, to a significant level of responsibility towards the victim upon which the victim would be entitled to rely.
“For the victim, the psychological effects of what you did to him have been long-lasting and serious.”
In his statement, Mr Henderson continued: “The welfare and wellbeing of our pupils is Eton’s top priority.
“When safeguarding issues arise they are dealt with in accordance with our established processes.
“We work in close partnership with external authorities, referring matters to them where appropriate, as we did in this case.”
