Teacher Rebecca Joynes 'shakes' in the dock as jury finds her guilty

A teacher "abused her position to groom and sexually exploit schoolboys", said the Crown Prosecution Service.

Rebecca Joynes, from Wirral, has been on trial at Manchester Crown Court for two weeks facing six counts of sexual activity with a child, including two while being a person in a position of trust. The teenage boys cannot be named for legal reasons.

A jury has found the 30-year-old guilty on all counts on Friday, May 17. These include four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts with sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.

READ MORE: Teacher found guilty of having sex with pupils

READ MORE: Jury finds teacher Rebecca Joynes accused of having sex with two pupils guilty

Joynes closed her eyes and grimaced, then began visibly shaking as she stood in the dock as the guilty verdicts were returned by the jury foreman following a two week trial. Her mum and dad, sat in the public gallery, made no reaction but yards away the parents of the boys reportedly burst into tears before they stifled cheers as the former teacher was convicted.

Judge Kate Cornell thanked jurors and said she would need reports on the defendant before she can pass sentence in July.

She bailed Joynes, but warned her: “There’s a baby in this case who has done nothing wrong and is entirely innocent of all wrongdoing and you will obviously want to see her before the sentence is passed, I do understand that. But you must be under no illusion what’s going to happen on the fourth of July.”

Jane Wilson, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said Joynes' behaviour will have a "lasting impact" on the two teenage boys.

She said: “Rebecca Joynes is a sexual predator. Joynes was entrusted with the responsibility of teaching and safeguarding children. She abused her position to groom and ultimately sexually exploit schoolboys. Her behaviour has had a lasting impact on them.

“The CPS worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case to put before the jury, including eyewitness testimony, phone evidence showing the messages sent by Joynes and CCTV footage.

“I would like to thank the victims for supporting the prosecution. Joynes will now face the consequences of her actions.”

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