A FORMER Harlow primary school teacher has been jailed for four years for a series of sex assaults on a pupil under the age of 13.
Edward Ryan, aged 67. of Venmore Drive, Great Dunmow, assaulted one of his pupils at a Harlow primary school on four occasions during lessons between September 15 and October 20, 2015.
Ryan denied four charges of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 during his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Judge David Turner QC sentenced Ryan to four years in prison.
An NSPCC spokesperson for the East of England said:
“As a teacher Ryan should have been protecting children. Instead, he exploited his position of trust to sickeningly abuse a young girl in his care.
“He cruelly made his victim relive his depraved crimes in court rather than admit his guilt and it is her tremendous courage that has helped put him behind bars.
“It’s vital that young people know how to recognise abuse and feel empowered to report it, which is why the NSPCC spoke to more than 51,000 primary school pupils across Essex over the last academic year as part of its Speak Out Stay Safe Service.”
Children with any concerns can contact Childline, free of charge, anytime on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk for help and advice.