FREYA SQUIRES FROM SEAFORD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLD AT SEAHAVEN ACADEMY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Seaford and the surrounding areas, Freya Squires, a 46-year-old teaching assistant from Steyne Road, Seaford, was found guilty of engaging in a series of sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl. The incident, which took place over a period of time, has raised serious concerns about abuse of trust within educational institutions and the vulnerability of young students.

According to court records, Squires, who was employed at Tideway School in Newhaven—an institution now known as Seahaven Academy—began her inappropriate relationship with the young girl when she was just 14 years old. The relationship was characterized by grooming behaviors, with Squires initiating contact through messages and gradually escalating their meetings outside of school premises. These encounters eventually led to sexual activities at various locations, including the school’s toilets, the gym toilets, public toilets at Seaford Beach, and Squires’ own residence.

It was revealed that Squires, who was openly gay at the school, warned the victim that revealing their relationship would lead to severe consequences. To conceal their meetings, the girl reportedly wore a blonde wig when visiting Squires’ home, indicating the level of fear and manipulation involved. The victim’s mother had previously expressed concerns about Squires wielding significant influence over her daughter, which added to the gravity of the situation.

After years of silence, the victim decided to come forward following the discovery that a relative would be attending Seahaven Academy in Southdown Road. This decision ultimately led to the reporting of Squires’ misconduct. The case was brought before Hove Crown Court, where Squires pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including six counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust.

Judge Shani Barnes described the relationship as “unlawful, deceitful and manipulative,” emphasizing the severity of Squires’ actions. Prosecutor Rachel Beckett highlighted that the victim had a troubled home life and was confused about her sexuality at the time. In a statement read aloud in court, the victim explained that she did not initially perceive her relationship with Squires as abuse, instead feeling “in love with her as a parent figure.”

As a result of her guilty plea, Squires was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. She is no longer employed at Seahaven Academy. During the sentencing, Judge Barnes addressed Squires directly, stating, “You let your desires overrule you and didn’t stop yourself entering an inappropriate relationship. You were a teaching assistant and she was a 14-year-old schoolgirl. I cannot ignore the severity of this case and I need to make it clear that society will not tolerate this.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable students and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by those in positions of authority.