UK trainer who tickled younger boys with ‘feathers and electrical toothbrush’ jailed

Joseph Haffenden, 32, has been jailed for 51 months after pleading guilty to six counts of sexual assault by touching and six counts of false imprisonment of two nine-year-old boys in West Sussex

A former primary school teacher has been sentenced to prison after tickling two nine-year-old boys with feathers and an electric toothbrush under their clothes.

Joseph Haffenden, 32, pleaded guilty in July to six counts of sexual assault by touching and six counts of false imprisonment. This followed a report on February 12 concerning two boys who had been sexually assaulted between January and February this year.

Both boys, aged nine, gave similar accounts of what Haffenden called a ‘game’ where the victims were tickled under their clothing with his hands, a feather, and an electric toothbrush. The offences were revealed to adults who reported it to Sussex Police and Haffenden, of High Street in Lindfield, was taken into custody.

Officers searched Haffenden’s property and discovered several items suggesting an interest in children and evidence which corroborated the victims’ accounts.

Haffenden was suspended from his teaching role and has since been sacked.

At Lewes Crown Court on Monday, July 20, Haffenden confessed to the charges, and on Thursday (September 3), he was imprisoned for 51 months.

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones stated: “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.”

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