Former high school teacher who sexually assaulted teenage boy in 1980s finally behind bars

A former high school teacher who sexually assaulted a teenage boy in the 1980s has finally been jailed.

Donald Hunt, now 69, was a teacher at Rhyddings High School in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, when he committed the offences against the 15-year-old victim, dating back to the late '80s.

His vile offences were reported in June 2019 with police launching an investigation into the historic abuse. He was later charged with offences of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16 years.

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He pleaded guilty to three of the four counts on the first day of his trial at Preston Crown Court earlier this year. On Tuesday (July 18) Hunt, of Fairfield Street, Accrington, was sentenced to 11 months in custody. He was also made subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told to sign the Sex Offenders Register for the next 10 years.

Michael Cross, of our HQ PPU Investigations Team, said: “Hunt engaged in this abhorrent behaviour purely for his own sexual gratification and he betrayed his position of trust as a teacher. Hunt waited until the first day of trial before finally admitting his guilt, leading the victim to believe he would have to re-live his ordeal by giving evidence.”

“I would like to praise the victim for his bravery. I hope the result of this case encourages other victims to come forward and all reports will be investigated with sensitivity, regardless of when the offence was committed.”

Enza Geldard, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit (RaSSO) added: “Donald Hunt’s offences are particularly disturbing given his position in a school at the time.

"He cowardly pleaded guilty at the last