PONNUTHURAI SIVATHASAN JAILED IN LONDON FOR SEX OFFENSES ON PUPILS

In May 2009, a teacher named Ponnuthurai Sivathasan was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting three of his pupils. He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 13 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching. The 66-year-old, residing on Tryfan Close in Clayhall, had tutored hundreds of children across the Redbridge area over the past decade. Authorities believe there may be many more victims who have yet to come forward.

Sivathasan's crimes included sexually touching a 10-year-old girl in 2003 while preparing her for her 11-plus exams, and twice sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in 2007 during lessons held at his home. The 12-year-old contacted police soon after the incidents, which led to his arrest.

Further investigations revealed that a third victim, who had been attacked in 1999 at age 11, had also been assaulted by Sivathasan. During that incident, he exposed himself, performed a sexual act on himself, and sexually touched the girl.

Detective Inspector Mick Thurley of the Child Abuse Investigation Command stated, “Sivathasan abused his position of trust to sexually assault children when he should have been tutoring them to pass their exams. Sivathasan tutored 400 girls over about 10 years, and I believe it is highly likely there are other victims. I would urge anyone with information to come forward.”

Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to contact child protection officers at Woodford police station on 8345 3693.