Dean Juric 54

Description

A former headteacher who told a fellow paedophile he loved “young girls” has received an eight-month suspended sentence, with a judge citing a "near certainty" of rehabilitation.

Dean Juric, 54, was head of St Robert of Newminster School in Washington, Tyne and Wear, when arrested at home in January after being caught by a police decoy posing as a paedophile on social media.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Juric shared a photo of two schoolgirls in uniform, aged about 15, and an indecent image of a girl around 14 “posing in a sexual manner with her breasts partially exposed.”

In November 2024, he messaged the decoy asking if they were "horny" and "what were they into," then sent a video of a “young girl” in tight-fitting clothing.

Police raided his home, finding on his iPhone 54 category A images (including 23 videos), 36 category B images, and 290 category C stills and videos.

Conversations with other paedophiles revealed Juric replying “Schoolgirl” when asked what turned him on, calling a 14-year-old's image “perfect age,” and stating he was “into” “Love young girls.”

Juric admitted three counts of making indecent images and one of distributing an indecent image.

Judge Graham Robinson suspended the sentence for 18 months, ordering 150 hours of unpaid work and 40 days of rehabilitation.

He told Juric:

“You have fallen a long way from grace – many years of dedicated service to the community, now all thrown away.”

Noting Juric's "exemplary" side and steps to address his behavior, the judge praised rehabilitation courses, adding: “I am entirely satisfied that there’s not only a realistic possibility of rehabilitation, but it is a near certainty.”

Juric, of Tynemouth, North Tyneside, must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

A spokesman for Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, which runs the school, said:

“We unequivocally condemn the actions of Dean Juric.

“We are satisfied that every aspect of due process has been rigorously upheld, culminating in today’s sentencing.

“Throughout the investigation, our Trust fully cooperated with Northumbria Police, demonstrating absolute transparency.

“Legal constraints prevented us from sharing details with the school community, but our priority was always to protect the integrity of the process and the safety of our pupils.

“There were never any warning signs or concerns about Dean Juric’s behaviour.

“His arrest in January was a profound shock and betrayal of the trust placed in him by our entire community.

“Our Trust acted immediately and decisively, suspending Dean Juric upon learning of the arrest.

“He no longer has any association with our Trust.

“We extend our gratitude to Northumbria Police for their relentless pursuit of justice, their vigilance, and their unwavering resolve in bringing Dean Juric to account.”

The trust has referred Juric to teaching authorities for potential barring and added:

“We have taken decisive action to support the school and are fully committed to rebuilding and strengthening our community after this deeply unsettling period.

“We want to thank our staff and parents at St Robert’s who have worked together to support one another and maintain stability for our pupils, at this time.

“To all parents and carers: 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.”