PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER, 32, CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULTS OF BOYS
A primary school teacher has been charged with sexual assaulting of two children.An investigation was launched after police received a report that two boys had been sexually assaulted between January and February 2026.
Joseph Haffenden charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of false imprisonment.
The 32-year-old is a teacher at St Peter's Catholic Primary School, in East Grinstead, West Sussex.
It is understood he has been suspended by the school.
Haffenden, of High Street, Lindfield, appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court today on Saturday, February 14.
He was remanded in custody to appear and is next due to appear in court on Friday, March 13.
Detective Superintenden Jay Mendis-Gunasekera, of Sussex Police, said: "We acted swiftly as soon as these allegations were received to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures were in place." "We will continue to engage with our partners and the school to ensure there are no wider concerns as we look ahead to trial." The children and their families are being supported by specialist officers, the force said.
