Ex-headteacher, 47, sentenced after sexual offence

Matthew Bennett was handed a community service order at Swindon Magistrates' Court

A former headteacher has been sentenced after pleading guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child under 18.

Matthew Bennett, 47, who worked at Clifton High School in Bristol, was charged in July 2023.

At Swindon Magistrates' Court on Monday, Mr Bennett, from Bristol, was handed a 200-hour community service order and was put on the sex offenders register for five years.

James Caddy, the school's chairman of governors, shared details of the case following the lifting of publication restrictions. In a letter to parents, he acknowledged the news was "distressing".

He said: "In August 2023, I was informed by the police that Mr Bennett had been arrested on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a person under the age of eighteen.

"You understand that I was legally unable to report or share anything at the time that may have compromised the police investigation.

"The immediate actions the school took in August 2023 prioritised the safeguarding of our children and followed our robust procedures to keep our community safe and protected.

"This included Mr Bennett having no further contact with or access to the school, specifically pupils."