Eton College headmaster issues statement after ex-teacher Jacob Leland jailed for sexually assaulting a pupil
The headmaster of Eton College has offered an “unreserved apology” on behalf of the prestigious institution after a former teacher was jailed for sexually assaulting a pupil.
Jacob Leland, who taught Russian at an elite boarding school, was jailed Friday after being found guilty of sexually assaulting one of his students.
The crimes occurred both at their teacher’s accommodation and during a school trip.
Eton’s current headmaster, Simon Henderson, whose annual fees exceed £60,000, expressed his regret in a statement, declaring he was “horrified” by Leland’s crimes.
Mr Henderson said: “Eton needs to accept not only that something this serious could happen at our school, but also that it has taken several years for the details of what happened to come to light.”
He added: “As headmaster, I am appalled that this abuse took place at Eton. Mr Leland’s criminal behavior represents the most appalling breach of trust. Those directly affected by Mr Leland’s actions had the right to be safe and secure in our care.” He reiterated that he “apologized unreservedly to them on behalf of the school.”
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Leland was “trusted” by a housemaster to supervise students and comply with school rules.
The former teacher, who was 23 at the time of the offense in 2012, first attacked the pupil after inviting him and his friends to his flat and supplying them with alcohol and cigarettes.
Reading Crown Court heard the complainant asked his friends to leave, then kissed the boy before taking his hands and placing them on his own crotch.
Shortly after this incident, Leland committed a third sexual assault by performing oral sex on the complainant during a school field trip.
Leland, of Gatcombe Road in Islington, London, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on a man on October 14 last year and was jailed for three years and three months on Friday.
Sentencing Leland, Judge Kirsty Real told him: “The relationship between teacher and student in a school undoubtedly creates a significant level of responsibility to the victim, which the victim would have the right to trust. For the victim, the psychological effects of what you did to him were long-lasting and serious.”
In his statement, Mr Henderson confirmed: “The welfare and welfare of our students is Eton’s top priority. When safeguarding issues arise, they are dealt with in accordance with our established processes. We work in close partnership with external authorities, referring matters to them where appropriate, as we did in this case.”
