REDBRIDGE: Teacher jailed for sex attacks on pupils (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

REDBRIDGE: Teacher jailed for sex attacks on pupils

4:16pm Monday 18th May 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(3)

A PAEDOPHILE teacher has been jailed for six-and-a-half years after sexually assaulting three of his pupils.

Ponnuthurai Sivathasan was found guilty of 13 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching during a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court

The 66-year-old, of Tryfan Close, Clayhall, tutored hundreds of children across Redbridge over the past decade and police believe there could be many more victims who have yet to come forward.

Sivathasan was convicted of sexually touching a 10-year-old girl in 2003 while coaching her for her 11 plus exams, and of twice sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in 2007 during lessons at his home.

The 12 year-old youngster contacted police soon after, leading to Sivathasan's arrest.

During the course of their investigations, police were also contacted by a third victim, who had been attacked by Sivathasan in 1999 when she was aged 11.

During one incident he exposed himself, sexually touched her and performed a sex act on himself.

Detective Inspector Mick Thurley, of the Child Abuse Investigation Command, said: "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."

Anyone with information should call child protection officers at Woodford police station on 8345 3693.