RETIRED TEACHER TOMOS HUMPHREYS FROM HAYWARDS HEATH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SUSSEX
| Red Rose Database
Haywards Heath Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community of Haywards Heath, a retired educator has been formally sentenced for serious child sex offences after being caught in an online chatroom by undercover authorities.
Tomos Humphereys, aged 64 and residing on Kents Road in Haywards Heath, faced the court to answer charges related to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, as well as possessing indecent photographs of a child. The proceedings took place at Worthing Magistrates’ Court, where Humphereys admitted to the allegations against him.
According to court records, Humphereys was initially motivated to join the chatrooms out of curiosity, claiming through his legal representative that he wanted to understand what topics young people are discussing these days. However, this seemingly innocent motive led to a series of troubling interactions, which ultimately resulted in his arrest and charges.
Humphereys, a father of two, had a long-standing career in education that began in 1990. Over the years, he worked in various challenging and difficult schools, eventually becoming a deputy head teacher. He retired from his teaching duties in 2008, leaving behind a reputation built on decades of service.
During the court hearing, his defence solicitor, Christopher Maynard, emphasized that Humphereys had maintained a good character throughout his career, stating, “He has lost his good character and good name, built up through decades of experience and good service to the education sector. During his entire teaching career, there was not one single allegation of any kind of impropriety on his part.”
Mr. Maynard further explained that Humphereys’ involvement in the chatrooms was a slow and slippery slope, initiated by curiosity but ultimately leading to serious misconduct. The lawyer also noted that Humphereys has been receiving psychotherapy and requested that this be taken into account when considering his guilty plea.
District Judge Amanda Kelly addressed the court, underscoring the gravity of the offences. She remarked, “These are extremely serious offences and you of all people would have known that because you were involved in protecting young people from this sort of offending.” Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Kelly expressed a belief that there was a “real possibility” for Humphereys to be rehabilitated.
As part of his sentence, Humphereys was given a six-month jail term, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work and to attend rehabilitation sessions aimed at addressing his behaviour. The case has left many in Haywards Heath and the surrounding Sussex area contemplating the importance of safeguarding children and the potential risks posed by individuals with a history of involvement in education.
Tomos Humphereys, aged 64 and residing on Kents Road in Haywards Heath, faced the court to answer charges related to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, as well as possessing indecent photographs of a child. The proceedings took place at Worthing Magistrates’ Court, where Humphereys admitted to the allegations against him.
According to court records, Humphereys was initially motivated to join the chatrooms out of curiosity, claiming through his legal representative that he wanted to understand what topics young people are discussing these days. However, this seemingly innocent motive led to a series of troubling interactions, which ultimately resulted in his arrest and charges.
Humphereys, a father of two, had a long-standing career in education that began in 1990. Over the years, he worked in various challenging and difficult schools, eventually becoming a deputy head teacher. He retired from his teaching duties in 2008, leaving behind a reputation built on decades of service.
During the court hearing, his defence solicitor, Christopher Maynard, emphasized that Humphereys had maintained a good character throughout his career, stating, “He has lost his good character and good name, built up through decades of experience and good service to the education sector. During his entire teaching career, there was not one single allegation of any kind of impropriety on his part.”
Mr. Maynard further explained that Humphereys’ involvement in the chatrooms was a slow and slippery slope, initiated by curiosity but ultimately leading to serious misconduct. The lawyer also noted that Humphereys has been receiving psychotherapy and requested that this be taken into account when considering his guilty plea.
District Judge Amanda Kelly addressed the court, underscoring the gravity of the offences. She remarked, “These are extremely serious offences and you of all people would have known that because you were involved in protecting young people from this sort of offending.” Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Kelly expressed a belief that there was a “real possibility” for Humphereys to be rehabilitated.
As part of his sentence, Humphereys was given a six-month jail term, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work and to attend rehabilitation sessions aimed at addressing his behaviour. The case has left many in Haywards Heath and the surrounding Sussex area contemplating the importance of safeguarding children and the potential risks posed by individuals with a history of involvement in education.