Former Headteacher Who Admitted 'Loving Young Girls' Receives Suspended Sentence
Dean Juric, a 54-year-old married father and former headteacher who confessed to being sexually attracted to young girls, has walked free from court after being convicted of possessing and distributing indecent images of children. The former head of St Robert of Newminster School in Washington, Tyne and Wear, received an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Newcastle Crown Court.
Police Decoy Operation Exposes Paedophile Desires
The court heard how Juric was exposed after revealing his vile preferences to a police officer posing as a fellow paedophile on a social media platform. During conversations with the decoy, Juric shared an image of two schoolgirls in uniform, aged approximately 15, and later distributed an indecent image of a girl aged about 14 posing in a sexual manner with her breasts partially exposed.
Prosecutor Omar Ahmad detailed how in November 2024, Juric messaged the decoy asking if they were "horny" and inquiring about their preferences. The defendant then sent a video of a young girl in tight-fitting clothing to the undercover officer.
Extensive Collection of Illegal Material Discovered
Following a police raid on his home in January 2025, investigators discovered a substantial collection of illegal material on Juric's devices. The evidence included:
- 54 category A images of children, including 23 videos
- 36 category B images
- 290 category C still images and videos
Police also uncovered conversations between Juric and other paedophiles on the social media application. When asked what turned him on, Juric responded "Schoolgirl." Regarding an image of a girl who appeared to be around 14, he messaged "perfect age," and when questioned about his preferences, he stated "Love young girls."
Sentencing and Judicial Comments
Judge Graham Robinson, while sentencing Juric, acknowledged the defendant's previous "exemplary" service to the community but noted his dramatic fall from grace. The judge stated: "You have fallen a long way from grace – many years of dedicated service to the community, now all thrown away."
Judge Robinson expressed confidence in Juric's rehabilitation prospects, saying: "I am entirely satisfied there's not only a realistic possibility of rehabilitation, but it is a near-certainty." He praised rehabilitation courses for sex offenders, noting he knew of only two cases where participants had reoffended.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Juric was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and participate in a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He must remain on the sex offenders register for ten years and will be subject to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order.
School Trust's Response and Safeguarding Measures
A spokesman for the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, which operates St Robert of Newminster School, issued a strong condemnation of Juric's actions. The trust stated: "We unequivocally condemn the actions of Dean Juric. We are satisfied every aspect of due process has been rigorously upheld, culminating in today's sentencing."
The trust emphasized that there were never any warning signs or concerns about Juric's behaviour prior to his arrest, describing his apprehension as "a profound shock and betrayal of the trust placed in him by our entire community."
Immediate action was taken following Juric's arrest, with the trust suspending him and subsequently severing all association. The organisation has referred Juric to teaching authorities, which could now bar him from the profession permanently.
The trust's statement concluded: "Safeguarding is, and will always remain, our highest priority. We will not tolerate any breach of trust, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect every child in our care."
Juric, of Tynemouth, North Tyneside, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and one count of distributing an indecent image.
