Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Offenses

Richard Leighfield, a 53-year-old former primary school teacher who previously worked at Northwick Manor Primary School in Worcester, has admitted guilt to child sex offences. He faced six charges concerning a child under the age of 16. During his initial appearance at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Leighfield confessed to all accusations. His sentencing is scheduled to take place at Worcester Crown Court in the new year. The entirety of these offences occurred earlier in the current year. Specifically, on 15 August, Leighfield made an attempt to involve a child, aged between 13 and 15, in a sexual act. Furthermore, he admitted guilt to three charges of creating indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, committed between 30 May and 22 August. Among these, one image was designated as category A, which is the most severe classification, while eight were category B, and ten were category C. Leighfield also confessed to an additional charge of possessing a prohibited image of a child within the identical timeframe, alongside an accusation of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child between 31 July and 22 August. He received conditional bail, stipulating that he must not contact or interfere with any individual under the age of 18, apart from interactions in the normal course of daily life, prior to his sentencing on 17 January. The BBC has sought a statement from the school regarding the matter. For updates from BBC Hereford & Worcester, follow on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.