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The principal of Eton College “apologizes unreservedly” on behalf of the school Prestigious institution A former teacher has been jailed for sexually assaulting a pupil.
Jacob Leland, teaches Russian at elite schools boarding schoolHe was jailed Friday after being convicted of sexually assaulting a student.
The offenses occurred at his teacher’s dormitory and during school trips.
Simon Henderson, the current headmaster of Eton College, who has annual fees of more than £60,000, expressed his dismay in a statement, saying he was “shocked” by Leland’s crimes.
Mr Henderson said: “Not only does Eton need to acknowledge that something of this serious magnitude happened at our school, but that the details of what happened took several years to come to light.”
He added: “As headmaster, I remain appalled by the abuse that occurred at Eton College. Mr Leland’s criminal conduct represents the most serious breach of trust. Those directly affected by Mr Leland’s actions have the right to be safe and secure in our care.” He reiterated his “unreserved apology to them on behalf of the school”.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that Leland was “trusted” by the housemaster to supervise students and comply with school rules.
The former teacher, who was 23 at the time of the 2012 offenses, first attacked the student after he invited him and his friends to his flat and supplied them with alcohol and cigarettes.
He asked the complainant’s friend to leave before kissing the boy before taking his hand and placing it on his groin, Reading Crown Court heard.
Shortly after the incident, Leland committed a third sexual assault when he performed oral sex on the complainant during a school trip.
Leland, of Gatcombe Road, Islington, London, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on a man on October 14 last year and was sentenced to three years and three months in prison on Friday.
Sentencing Leland, Judge Kirsty Real told him: “There is no doubt that the teacher-pupil relationship in the school created a significant degree of responsibility for the victim and the victim was entitled to rely on that responsibility. “The psychological impact on the victim of what you did to him was long-lasting and serious.”
In a statement, Mr Henderson confirmed: “The welfare and wellbeing of pupils is Eton’s top priority. When safeguarding issues arise we deal with them in accordance with our established processes. We work closely with external authorities and refer matters to them where appropriate, as we have done in this case.”