A former master at Eton College has been accused of multiple instances of child sex abuse. Jacob Leland, 35, allegedly committed 14 sexual offences against a teenage boy while working at the prestigious private school between 2010 and 2012. Leland, who taught in the modern languages department, pleaded not guilty to the charges during a hearing at Reading magistrates’ court. The charges against him include engaging in non-penetrative and penetrative sexual activity with a boy under 16, causing/inciting a boy under 16 to engage in sexual activity, and sexual assault on a male.
Eton College has confirmed that Leland taught at the school from September 2010 to August 2012 and that the charges against him are related to his time there. The college expressed its support for the former pupils involved in the case, commending their courage and dignity. The welfare and wellbeing of the students are of utmost importance to Eton, and any safeguarding concerns are addressed according to established procedures. The college also emphasized its cooperation with the relevant authorities in such cases.
