Comment & Analysis: Let’s review the outcome of the 2018 Milton Keynes SEN school assault scandal

Two teachers were sacked and criminally convicted back in 2018 for reportedly assaulting an autistic student.

Both members of staff, 52-year-old Sandra Humphrey and 50-year-old Sharon Benton, were immediately investigated after the 12-year-old victim’s parents reported the two staff members for allegedly assaulting him, resulting in their dismissal for gross misconduct after the allegations were proven.

The two former teachers — who worked for Stephenson Academy, a specialist SEN school for young people with additional support needs near Stantonbury — were reported to Thames Valley Police, which led to their two-day criminal trial at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court. They were both found guilty of common assault against the boy and then received their sentences. The two defendants were ordered to pay a £300 fine, a victim surcharge of £20 each, and given a 6-month conditional discharge (neither were jailed for the assault, though, which is reported to have angered many locals).

The two former staff members will almost certainly have a hard time finding most jobs in social care, law enforcement, work involving children or vulnerable people, and many other types of work due to their proven assault on the boy and their criminal records.