Dean Phillip Hayes

Dean Phillip Hayes, a 59-year-old former headteacher, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison following his guilty pleas to serious sexual offences against children committed during his time at Brindle St James’ Church of England Primary School in Chorley, Lancashire.

The offences, which took place between January 1991 and December 1996, involved Hayes abusing young girls by calling them out of class under the pretence of special 'errands'. He targeted them in a room used to store PE equipment and during school trips, where he made excuses to isolate one victim in his room. Prosecutors described the abuse as sustained over years, causing severe and lasting damage to the victims' emotional well-being.

• Five counts of indecent assaults on children
• Three counts of indecency with a child
• Possession of 25 indecent images of children

One victim provided a heart-wrenching statement in court, stating: 'I feel I’m emotionally damaged, have had problems with intimacy and have suffered from depression. The pain he has caused me can never go away. It will not stop just because he goes to prison.' Another victim recounted scrubbing her hands excessively after contact with Hayes, adding that his smell made her feel sick.

The investigation began in 2012 when a woman came forward with allegations, leading to Hayes' arrest in September that year. Subsequently, another woman reported similar experiences. Following his arrest, Hayes fled to Wales and resided at Trewent Park, a self-catering holiday park in Pembrokeshire, which advertises itself as ideal for younger children due to its gentle beach and coastal path.

In court, defending barrister Michael Maher described Hayes as a 'broken man' who had lost the love and respect of his family, friends, and colleagues. Maher noted Hayes' shame and his early guilty plea, adding that he was determined to confront his behaviour. However, Judge Robert Brown, passing sentence, emphasised the gross abuse of trust: 'You grossly abused a very important position of trust you had.'

Detective Inspector Jonathan Holmes of Lancashire Police commented on the outcome: 'We are pleased with the outcome following what has been a very challenging investigation. The victims have shown tremendous courage in coming forward and I hope his sentence will offer some closure for them.' The case was reported by Wales Online on 28 March 2013, highlighting Hayes' relocation to the tourist site post-arrest.