Ashby School says it is 'angered and appalled' after one of its former teachers was jailed for more than six years this week after admitting to committing sex offences against children online.

Officers began an investigation in April, 2022, when Leicestershire Police received a report that John Ewan Myles had been engaging in sexual activity with a teenage girl he had met online.

At the time Myles was working as a teacher at the school in Ashby, where he spent almost a decade.

Myles was arrested at his home in Coalville that month, and a number of devices were recovered from the address including a phone, which was hidden under his bed.

He was given a prison sentence of six years and six months at Leicester Crown Court this week.

Ashby School has now issued a statement following the case.

It reads: "Ashby School welcomes the actions of the Crown Court against John Ewan Myles, the guilty plea and, as a result, the sentence that has been handed down.

"We are angered and appalled by his behaviour and the abuse of trust he has displayed.

"John Ewan Myles was employed as a teacher at Ashby School between August 2012 and April 2022.

"Ashby School has given every assistance to Leicestershire Police following John Ewan Myles' arrest and the subsequent investigations that have taken place.

"The details of the serious offences committed are uncomfortable and distressing to hear. His use of a false online profile to disguise his true identity demonstrates the depth of his deception.

John Ewan Myles was sent to jail this week. Photo: Leicestershire Police

"Ashby School has supported and assisted the Leicestershire Police investigation with regard to the offence involving a former student."

The statement makes it clear that there was no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Myles while at Ashby School - and no sign of the offences he was to be charged with.

It continues: "During Mr Myles' employment at Ashby School, no complaints or concerns were received or observed regarding his behaviour in school. 

"No school devices were used, and there was no indication of his offending that the school could have detected.

"Ashby School, on being notified of the arrest of John Ewan Myles, suspended him from his post. He has not returned to work at the school since this date and, in October 2022, his employment at Ashby School was terminated."

The statement adds that Ashby School takes the safeguarding of students as a matter of seriousness.

It continues: "The safety and wellbeing of all students is a paramount objective of all staff and governors at Ashby School.

"Since Ashby School became part of the LiFE Multi-Academy Trust in March 2021, safeguarding procedures have been thoroughly audited and externally reviewed to ensure that they are of the highest standards and that they are in line with the wider robust safeguarding principles of the LiFE Multi-Academy Trust. 

"Ashby School is aware and understands that individuals may be impacted by the details of this case.

"Anyone who is affected in any way can obtain support by contacting our Designated Safeguarding Lead by email: [email protected] . 

"We know that our community will unite together to support one another at this difficult time."