Rebecca Joynes

Rebecca Joynes, a 30-year-old teacher from Salford, was found guilty by a majority verdict at Manchester Crown Square Court on 17 May 2024 of six sexual offences involving two teenage boys she met as her pupils at a school in Greater Manchester. The charges included four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust. Joynes was arrested on 18 October 2021 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child, following allegations that she abused her position to groom and exploit the victims.

The court heard detailed evidence of how Joynes groomed the first boy by taking him to the Trafford Centre, where she purchased a £345 Gucci belt for him as a gesture to build rapport, before engaging in sexual activity with him at her flat. This incident occurred while she was still employed as his teacher. Subsequently, Joynes was suspended from her teaching post after the allegations surfaced. During her suspension and while on bail, she continued to contact a second boy via social media, breaching a prohibition on communicating with anyone under 18. This second boy was 15 when they first met, and Joynes claimed they only had sexual intercourse after she had been sacked from her job. However, she became pregnant by him, despite previously telling him it was 'almost impossible' for her to conceive due to a health condition. The boy was shocked to learn of the pregnancy when Joynes presented him with a baby grow item.

Their daughter was born but was immediately removed from Joynes' care following an emergency court hearing just 24 hours after delivery, as authorities intervened to protect the child. Throughout the trial, the two victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, provided testimony that highlighted the betrayal of trust by Joynes, who was in a authoritative position as their educator. Detective Constable Beth Alexander from Greater Manchester Police's Child Protection Investigation Unit in Salford described Joynes as 'a sexual predator' who 'decided to abuse her position and used it to groom two teenagers.' DC Alexander emphasised the bravery of the victims and their families in coming forward, stating, 'We welcome today’s verdict and now wait for Joynes to face the consequences for her actions.'

The case was investigated by Greater Manchester Police, with officers working closely with the victims to establish the full circumstances. Joynes will be sentenced at a later date, with the outcome expected to reflect the severity of the child sex offences committed. The victims and their families have requested privacy to move forward with their lives.