JOSEF NORFORD, PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER IN THE WEST MIDLANDS, SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR ABUSING PUPILS

In February 2011, a primary school teacher from the West Midlands, Josef Norford, was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing three of his pupils. The 53-year-old was described as a "manipulative and deceptive" paedophile who led a double life.

Norford, of Elmbridge Road, Perry Barr, was found guilty of abusing boys at Brandhall Primary School in Oldbury, where he worked on Edinburgh Road. He had kissed and touched the young pupils multiple times a week over the years.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Judge Michael Challinor described Norford as a "real danger to young boys". He told Norford during the sentencing: “You were in a position of trust and you used your position to groom the boys. Your tactics were subtle and all the more insidious for that. You used your charm on the boys in order to groom them.”

The judge highlighted that no force was used, but Norford would dismiss the victims’ protests by telling them they were "silly" if they resisted.

The three victims faced additional trauma as they had to testify earlier this year, during which Norford was convicted on five counts of indecent assault. Judge Challinor acknowledged that one victim had "suffered a great deal" from the abuse, while another appeared "very embarrassed" and "ashamed" while giving evidence.

He emphasized: "You represent a real danger to young boys and you continue to maintain your innocence."

The judge praised the victims for their bravery in reporting the abuse to police and providing evidence, stating: “They and their families must not feel any shame about what happened. They were manipulated and deceived by a paedophile who, thanks to their courage, will not be able to abuse children anymore.”

Defence barrister Mr. Earl Pinnock argued that Norford’s reputation as a teacher had been ruined and that he was once held in high regard. He pointed out, “For the teacher of young children, this was a significant breach of trust.”

Pinnock added, “He has a problem and to some extent is still running away from his responsibilities. He’s a man who is still in denial.”