School worker jailed for sexually abusing pupils

Jordan Roberts was handed a 44-month sentence for sexual activity with a child by penetration and two counts of sexual assault

A school administrator has been jailed after he admitted sexually abusing three girls.

Jordan Roberts, 23, committed the offences while working at the Da Vinci Academy in Derby - all three victims were under 16.

The extent of Roberts' offending came to light after the first teenager came forward to report he had sex with her during school time, with two more girls later identified as having been targeted.

Roberts, formerly of Breaston, Derbyshire, was jailed for 44 months after pleading guilty to sexual activity with a child by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.

One of the girls told officers she had been left unable to sleep and suffered flashbacks, alongside a deterioration in her mental health.

The mother of one of the girls also explained how Roberts had taken away her daughter's innocence and childhood, and that she had blamed herself for what he did, Derbyshire Police said.

Roberts appeared at Derby Crown Court, where he initially denied the offences.

But before the case could reach trial, Roberts changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced at the same court on Friday.

'Disgusting means'

Det Con Charlotte Flint, who led the investigation, said: "The [victims'] determination to see Roberts brought to justice has been incredible and their resilience to see him jailed is nothing short of immense.

"Roberts' role at the school meant that he had a position of trust - one that he betrayed in the worst possible way.

"For these three young girls, their school should have been a place of safety, and Roberts used that for his own disgusting means.

"I want to thank the school for their assistance during the investigation - and their excellent safeguarding work after Roberts' offending was brought to light.

"The likes of Roberts have absolutely no place in our communities, and I would urge anyone who may have been the victim of similar crimes to please come forward."

Roberts was also given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, and handed a 10-year restraining order.

A spokesperson for the school said: "In 2022, we were made aware of serious allegations concerning a member of staff who has not worked at the school for over two years.

"In accordance with our robust safeguarding procedures, we acted immediately, reporting the matter to the appropriate authorities and fully supporting the police investigation throughout. We fully support the court's sentencing decision.

"Safeguarding remains our highest priority. We are committed to upholding the very highest standards in this critical area.

"Our focus, as always, is on the wellbeing of our students and supporting both them and our wider school community."