Toby Haslam

A 30-year-old man employed at a school in Wrexham has been imprisoned for grooming and sexually abusing a 15-year-old pupil, abusing his position of trust for personal gratification.

Toby Haslam, of Old Newcastle Road, Willaston, appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court on 15 April 2026. He had previously admitted to nine offences, including seven counts of sexual activity with a child—two of which were penetrative—a count of engaging in sexual communication with a child, and possession of an indecent photograph of a child. The court imposed a six-year custodial sentence, along with a ten-year restraining order to protect the victim, a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, and indefinite registration on the sex offenders' register.

The investigation began in September 2024 when North Wales Police received a report that Haslam had been grooming the pupil at the school where he worked. He had taken the girl to his home, where he sexually assaulted her. Further enquiries revealed that Haslam had been communicating with the child via social media, with conversations escalating to a sexual nature. He had also purchased multiple gifts for her. When police examined his phone, they discovered indecent images of a child.

The victim, upon returning to school after a summer break, confided in a schoolteacher about her relationship with Haslam, prompting the report to authorities. Investigating officer Detective Constable James Grimwood of the Vulnerable Persons Unit commended the victim's courage, stating: 'The victim in this case has been courageous throughout the police investigation. She was a vulnerable schoolgirl who had sought support from a member of teaching staff. By virtue of Haslam’s job title, he held a position of trust over her and abused his position of trust for his own sexual gratification. He has shown no signs of remorse throughout the investigation.' Grimwood added that the court outcome reflected the seriousness of the incident and hoped it would provide closure for the victim.

This case was handled by North Wales Police, highlighting their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from sexual exploitation.