World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Oxford school boarding assistant admits stealing pupils’ belongings
A boarding assistant admitted nine burglaries involving pupils’ belongings at d’Overbroeck’s, a private school in Oxford.
Jack Martin-Harley, 33, was paid to help supervise boarders at the school’s Westway House, which is home to about 50 sixth-form students.
He took cash, jewellery and electronic goods during a spree that began last December and ended in April.
The school told parents only that he was no longer a staff member, without mentioning the crimes.
Some pupils have still not recovered their belongings, and parents were reported to be upset.
His sentencing was postponed until November 26 after he appeared at court without a lawyer; the school says the case was reported to police and legal proceedings are ongoing.
A boarding assistant at d’Overbroeck’s school in Oxford admitted nine counts of burglary involving pupils’ belongings.
Jack Martin-Harley, 33, stole cash, jewellery and electronic goods during a four-month period.
The thefts took place at Westway House, where about 50 sixth-form students lived.
Martin-Harley’s sentencing hearing was adjourned to November 26 after he appeared without a lawyer.
The school said it reported the matter to police and that he left with immediate effect.
- Who
- Jack Martin-Harley, a 33-year-old boarding assistant at d’Overbroeck’s.
- What
- He admitted nine counts of burglary involving pupils’ belongings.
- When
- The thefts began last December and ended this April. The year is not stated.
- Where
- Westway House at d’Overbroeck’s, Oxford.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Martin-Harley’s burglary spree took place over four months.
His sentencing hearing at Oxford Crown Court was adjourned after he appeared without a lawyer.
His sentencing hearing was scheduled to take place.
- Defendant
- Jack Martin-Harley, 33
- Charges admitted
- Nine counts of burglary
- School
- d’Overbroeck’s, Oxford
- Location of thefts
- Westway House, home to about 50 sixth-form students
- Sentencing hearing
- Adjourned to November 26
What people are saying
The matter was reported to the police and, as legal proceedings remain ongoing, we are unable to comment any further.
Parents at the school are outraged – it’s been very difficult for everyone involved.