Former teacher jailed for child sex offences

A former primary school teacher has been jailed for a string of child sex offences.

Richard Leighfield, 53, was arrested in August when, purporting to be a 13-year-old girl, he instigated sexual conversations via an online profile he presumed to be that of a child, but was really a means for authorities to intercept predatory behaviour.

He pleaded guilty to six offences in December, including attempting to engage a child in sexual activity.

At Worcester Crown Court on Thursday, Leighfield, who previously taught in the city, was jailed for 30 months.

Among other offences to which he pleaded guilty were three counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.

One of those images was classified as category A - the most severe. Eight were category B and 10 were category C.

He also pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Det Con Giuseppe Saladino from the force said: "Leighfield demonstrated predatory behaviour towards children and was responsible for making horrific images.

"Fortunately his behaviour was intercepted by an online child profile, but this in no way lessens the seriousness of his offences."

A spokesperson for Northwick Manor Primary School, where Leighfield used to teach, said: "While no pupils at our school were involved in this matter, we have treated it incredibly seriously and have provided support to our school community, as appropriate."

Leighfield has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.

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