Former Manchester Teacher Jailed After Grooming Two Boys; One Victim Fathered Her Child

Summary

Rebecca Joynes, a former Manchester high school maths teacher, was convicted in May 2024 of multiple sexual offences for grooming two pupils she met while teaching. She was sentenced in July 2024 to six-and-a-half years in prison and given lifelong sex-offender registration, a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders relating to both victims. A professional conduct hearing in December 2025 described her actions as an "abuse of trust."

Conviction and Sentence

In May 2024, 31-year-old Rebecca Joynes was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of 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, according to Greater Manchester Police. In July 2024 she was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison. She was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, placed under a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and subject to restraining orders relating to both victims.

How The Abuse Occurred

Prosecutors said Joynes began grooming two boys when each was about 15 years old. She met both pupils through her role at the school. Court evidence detailed that she bought one pupil an expensive Gucci belt before engaging in sexual activity with him at her flat. The boys are identified in court papers as Boy A and Pupil B (Boy B) to protect their identities.

Pregnancy And Child's Removal

Joynes became pregnant after sexual contact with Boy B. She told police she believed she could not become pregnant, and the boy was reportedly shocked when he learned of the pregnancy. Their daughter was removed from Joynes' care after an emergency court hearing 24 hours following the birth.

Professional Conduct Hearing

On 4 December 2025 a Teaching Regulation Agency professional conduct hearing considered whether Joynes' actions amounted to "unacceptable conduct" and whether they harmed the reputation of the teaching profession. Shirley Duckworth of the agency described the convictions as "of the utmost severity" and called Joynes' behaviour "an abuse of trust." Quoting the victim, Duckworth told the panel:

"I will forever be Rebecca's victim and will forever be linked to her through our child. The damage done here is enormous."

Joynes did not attend the remote hearing and did not send legal representation while still serving her sentence, NottinghamshireLive reported.

Background And Investigation

Joynes was arrested in October 2021 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child. Authorities say she had contacted the two boys through the school where she taught and groomed them over time. After allegations surfaced, one boy's mother reported concerns to the school. Joynes was suspended from teaching and released on bail with conditions to avoid contact with anyone under 18 before her conviction.

Support And Reporting

If you suspect a child is being abused or is at risk, contact local law enforcement immediately. In the United States, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org for confidential, 24/7 multilingual support. In the U.K., contact local authorities or the NSPCC helpline for advice and reporting.