A betrayal - school chiefs react as former headteacher sentenced for making and distributing indecent images of children
“A betrayal of the trust placed in him by our entire community”
The damning words of chiefs at the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust after one of their former headteachers, Dean Juric, appeared in court to be sentenced for making and distributing indecent images of children.
Juric, 54, was working as headteacher at St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College in Washington when he was arrested in January last year (2025).
Newcastle Crown Court heard today (January 27) that Juric had a sickening collection of 380 illegal pictures and videos, featuring children as young as four, on his iphone when he was arrested.
Juric was caught after striking up an online conversation with a decoy who was an undercover law enforcement operative.
During conversations with the decoy Juric asked if they “liked teens” and sent an indecent image depicting a girl aged around 14, posing in a sexual manner.
During the conversations with the decoy the then acting headteacher said he “loved young girls” and that schoolgirls turned him on.
Following Juric’s arrest he was immediately suspended by the Trust before being removed permanently from his position.
At today’s hearing Judge Graham Robinson sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months with rehabilitation requirements and 150 hours unpaid work.
Juric must sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
Following the sentencing a spokesman for Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust 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.
“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. Our Trust has referred this matter to both the Disclosure and Barring Service and the Teaching Regulation Agency to ensure robust safeguarding across the sector.”
The spokesperson was keen to stress that there were no warning signs which would have raised any concerns about Juric’s behaviour.
They added: “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.”
In November, following Juric’s guilty plea to three counts of making pseudo" indecent images of children and one count of distributing indecent images of a child, the Trust offered therapy sessions to children and families at the school.
Following today’s sentencing the spokesperson said: “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.”
During the police investigation it was confirmed that there was no suggestion any of the children in the images were pupils at St Robert’s or bore a likeness to any child at the school.