JOSEPH KINNEAR'S SHOCKING REIGN OF TERROR IN HEXHAM AND ROTHBURY: EX-TEACHER'S SECOND JAIL TERM FOR SEX ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Hexham and Rothbury, Joseph Kinnear, a former teacher once held in high regard, has been sentenced to serve a further prison term after being found guilty of multiple sexual assaults on young girls. The revelations about Kinnear’s predatory behavior have cast a dark shadow over Northumberland, exposing a pattern of abuse that spanned several decades.

Joseph Kinnear, aged 59 and residing at East Newtown Cottages in Morpeth, was convicted of nine counts of sexual assault committed between 1979 and 1982. The court heard that Kinnear, who previously served a seven-year sentence for 13 sex offences related to the same period, had once been celebrated as an exceptional PE teacher at Rothbury Middle School. However, beneath this facade was a man who manipulated and exploited vulnerable young girls under his care.

The court described Kinnear as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” a phrase that encapsulated the betrayal felt by his victims and their families. During the trial, it was revealed that Kinnear engaged in inappropriate ‘kissing games’ with girls, initially giving ‘birthday kisses’ in front of classmates, which he claimed were harmless and optional. Prosecutor Michael Hodson detailed how Kinnear groomed his victims through private notes and gradually escalated to “incremental touching,” starting with innocent gestures like wrist touches to gauge how far he could go.

Hodson emphasized that Kinnear’s manipulative tactics extended beyond the classroom, as he took children abroad and involved them in various clubs he ran, including gym, ski, soccer, and youth clubs. He developed close, often inappropriate, relationships with some girls, convincing them that they were “boyfriend and girlfriend,” and gaining the trust of their families and the wider community in Rothbury.

Despite Kinnear’s attempts to deny the allegations, claiming that his actions were innocent or misunderstood, the court heard compelling evidence of his misconduct. He admitted to giving girls ‘birthday kisses’ but insisted these were innocent gestures, not private or sexual in nature. Nevertheless, the court was presented with testimonies from victims who described how Kinnear’s private kisses and sexual abuse had left lasting scars.

One victim, who was only 12 at the time, testified that Kinnear’s actions had profoundly affected her, causing her to lose self-respect and instilling fear during the abuse. The court heard that Kinnear’s denial and refusal to accept responsibility forced victims to relive their trauma in court, making the proceedings particularly painful for those involved.

Judge Simon Hickey addressed the court, acknowledging the complex feelings within the Rothbury community. While some community members had praised Kinnear’s talents as a teacher, the judge emphasized that his abuse represented a gross breach of trust. He noted that Kinnear’s total convictions now stood at 22 for historic sex offences, a figure that underscores the extent of his predatory behavior.

In sentencing Kinnear to four years in prison, with two years to be served on licence, Judge Hickey expressed his disappointment that a man with such gifts had used his talents to exploit children. “It is the sad truth that when you were young and a gifted and enthusiastic PE teacher, you abused those gifts and used your talents to exploit young children,” he stated. The community remains divided over Kinnear’s case, with some testimonials praising his abilities as a teacher, while others condemn his actions.

Earlier in October 2013, Kinnear was convicted of nine additional counts of indecent assault against girls, further cementing his reputation as a serial offender. Despite denying the allegations, the jury found him guilty after deliberating for over six hours. The court heard that Kinnear had manipulated and abused children at various locations, including schools, his car, and private homes, during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

His previous conviction in 2007, which resulted in a nine-year sentence later reduced to seven, was for offences committed against three children. After serving part of his sentence, Kinnear was released in 2010, a decision that caused distress among victims and community members in Rothbury. The authorities imposed strict conditions on his release, including restrictions on contact with victims and a ban from entering the village center, to protect the public.

Despite these measures, concerns remain about Kinnear’s return to his family home in Newtown, Rothbury, with some residents expressing anger and disappointment. The case continues to evoke strong emotions, highlighting the devastating impact of his actions on the victims and the community at large.