A BASINGSTOKE teacher has pleaded guilty to a catalogue of sexual offences 
against children.

Benjamin Sarfas, who taught at Kempshott Junior School, in Homesteads Road, admitted to the 19 charges at Winchester Crown Court last Wednesday.

The school teacher, who lives in Springvale Road, Winchester, started abusing children in 2011, and continued up until his arrest in March last year, the court 
heard.

Wearing a grey suit and striped tie, the 31-year-old pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13, one count of voyeurism whereby he recorded another person doing a private act with an intention that he, or a third person, would look at it for sexual gratification, and 11 counts of taking indecent photographs of a child.

There was standing room only in the public gallery as Sarfas was told by Judge Barnett that he is likely to face a prison sentence for his crimes.
The judge said: “You have had the good sense to plead guilty to this catalogue of offences.”

He added: “This is a disgraceful case and it’s a serious case.

“All sentencing will be open, there’s certainly a strong likelihood that you will be serving an immediate custodial sentence.”

Sarfas was released on bail with various conditions imposed, including that he is not allowed to enter an educational establishment.

He will be sentenced on February 18.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire County Council said its priority is the “welfare and safety of children and young people and their families”.

She added: “From the time that allegations relating to Mr Sarfas first came to light, the county council has co-operated fully with the police in its investigation and has provided appropriate support to the school and the children and families involved.

“The county council commends the young people involved for having the courage to speak out.

“The responsibility for safeguarding children falls upon everyone."

The council confirmed that Sarfas was suspended by the school as soon as the allegations relating to him came to their attention in March 2015, and he was formally dismissed in October 2015.