Ban for ex-teacher jailed for child sex offences

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

Richard Leighfield was jailed in January 2025 for 30 months after pleading guilty to six offences, including attempting to engage a child in sexual activity.

A professional conduct panel meeting was held in early May and concluded the 54-year-old, who previously taught in Worcester, was in "serious departure" from standards demanded by the profession.

Decision maker Marc Cavey said there had been no evidence of rehabilitation, which meant there was no "assurance that Mr Leighfield would not repeat the conduct".

Concluding his report, Cavey said: "This means that Mr Richard Leighfield is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England.

"Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Leighfield shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach."

Leighfield's offences included 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.

At the time of the sentencing, Det Con Giuseppe Saladino 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."

Leighfield was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

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