ANDREW BOXER AND GRAHAM JONES SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN EASTBOURNE AND EYNSHAM

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Eastbourne and Eynsham, two former teachers have been convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offences committed against a teenage boy nearly three decades ago. The incident, which only came to light after the victim chose to speak out in August 2015, has led to lengthy prison terms for both men, highlighting the enduring impact of their crimes.

Andrew Boxer, aged 67 and now residing in Queen Street, Eynsham, Oxfordshire, and Graham Jones, aged 63 from Bedford Grove, Eastbourne, were both employed as teachers at Eastbourne College during the time of the offences. Their convictions were handed down at Hove Crown Court on Tuesday, April 11, following a seven-day trial that examined the disturbing details of their misconduct.

Boxer was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison after being found guilty on seven counts of indecent assault against the victim. These assaults took place at two different locations: six at an address in Eastbourne and one during a visit to Cambridge. Despite the conviction on these charges, Boxer was acquitted of an eighth count of indecent assault in Eastbourne. As part of his sentence, Boxer will be registered as a sex offender for life. Additionally, he was served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that will remain in effect indefinitely, severely restricting his access to boys and preventing any future contact that could facilitate further abuse.

Graham Jones received a more modest sentence of two years’ imprisonment after being convicted on two counts of indecent assault. These offences involved the same victim and occurred on multiple occasions at an address in East Sussex and another in Eastbourne. Like Boxer, Jones will be registered as a sex offender, but for a period of ten years. He was also issued with a ten-year SHPO, which imposes strict limitations on his interactions with minors to prevent any recurrence of abuse.

At the time of the offences, Boxer was employed as a history teacher, while Jones was a music teacher at Eastbourne College. The investigation into their actions was initiated after the victim, who had kept his traumatic experiences secret for many years, came forward to authorities in August 2015. The police probe revealed that both men had befriended the boy separately when he first entered the college, gaining his trust through seemingly benign interactions. However, these relationships were manipulated to groom the victim, with Boxer in particular systematically grooming him by making seemingly casual remarks, providing access to explicit videos, and involving him in sexual acts. This grooming process created a situation where the victim felt trapped and unable to report the abuse at the time.

The court's verdict underscores the serious nature of these offences and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation by trusted figures. Both Boxer and Jones will now face the consequences of their actions, with the community reminded of the lasting scars such crimes leave behind.