Exclusive:
Disgraced former teacher Rebecca Joynes was found guilty of six counts of sexual activity with a child, including two when she was a person in a position of trust
Pedophile teachers like Rebecca Joynes are “motivated by loneliness and rejection” because of “challenges in their adult relationships”, a sexual violence expert has warned.
The convicted 30-year-old sex offender was sentenced to six and a half years in prison today after she was found guilty of six counts of sexual activity with a child, including two when she was a person in a position of trust.
A Manchester Crown Court jury heard in May that the teacher claimed she was struggling with loneliness after splitting up with her boyfriend of nine years.
She broke up with her ex in 2018 and confessed to the court she found it difficult to cope. Her ex-partner, who was not named in court, was allegedly unaware that Joynes was standing trial after she groomed the schoolboys and had ‘no idea’ of her charges.
It is understood Joynes had a ‘jealous’ streak that meant she constantly questioned his whereabouts.
Bricklyn Priebe, from the University of the Sunshine Coast Australia Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit, told the Mirror offenders like Joynes groom students “because of challenges in their adult relationships”.
She said: “There is no one reason; this type of behaviour is complex and involves a heterogenous population. Some women may seek attention or want to feel desired, and may be motivated because of challenges in their adult relationships (i.e., loneliness, rejection). Others may be more predatory.
“Often this type of abuse is not calculated, and consideration may not be given to the inherent risks involved. A long history of social and institutional minimisation of abuse involving female perpetrators may also contribute to a lack of recognition of the abuse and the harms it causes.”
Joynes’ victim, known only as Boy B, fathered her child and during her sentencing hearing today, his victim impact statement was read to court which spoke of the “dark times” he faced and the “mental impact” the abuse had on him.
He told Judge Kate Cornell he felt backed into a corner and was forced to live a double life for 18 months, adding that his trauma had a massive mental toll on his parents too.
The sexual predator went on to groom her victims and was suspended from her “dream job” at a high school following claims she had sex with one 15-year-old – known as Boy A – and Boy B, 16, whom she later became pregnant by.
Ms Priebe admits the rates of female-perpetrated sexual abuse have shown “some increase over the last few decades” but believes this is down to improved reporting of abuses.
She added: “This is likely a reflection of improved reporting systems, victim support services, and an increase in education and awareness campaigns. It is important to continue to develop in these areas; it is also crucial for educational settings to implement pro-active strategies to safeguard children from harm.
“There are several steps that could be taken to reduce the risks, for example, implement thorough screening processes and reporting systems, educate teachers on the risks, early warning signs, and professional boundaries, ensure relevant policies are clear, and view the environmental design of schools to enhance supervision and surveillance.”
