Former Brighton teacher awaits sentence for ‘sexting’ boy of 13

A former Brighton teacher has admitted “sexting” or sending sexual messages to a 13-year-old boy and trying to arrange to meet.

David Rogers, 48, who worked at Patcham High School as a teacher and assistant head and then at Littlehampton Academy as assistant head, admitted the offence in a hearing at Lewes Crown Court.

Natasha Dardashti, prosecuting, told the court that Rogers tried to engage in sexual communications with the child in December 2024.

Judge Stephen Mooney remanded Rogers on conditional bail to await sentence.

Sussex Police said: “A former assistant head teacher from West Sussex has admitted trying to engage in sexual communications with a child.

“David Rogers, 48, of Eriswell Road, in Worthing, came to the attention of police after exchanging sexual messages on social media and attempting to arrange a meeting with a 13-year-old boy in December 2024.

“He was identified as the user contacting the child’s profile, arrested on Thursday 23 January 2025 and digital devices confirmed the accounts were operated by him.

“Rogers used to be assistant head teacher at Littlehampton Academy and chair of governors at Goring Primary School.

“Both of these posts were terminated in 2022, before this investigation began.

“Rogers no longer works in a position where he would have access to children.

“He was subsequently charged with attempted sexual communications with a child and, at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday 30 April, he pleaded guilty.

“He has been released on conditional bail, to appear at the same court for sentencing on Friday 26 June.”

Investigator Rose Horan said: “David Rogers’s behaviour showed a clear, predatory sexual interest in children.

“His offending is made even more alarming by the positions of trust he once held.

“The local authority has supported our investigation and helped to ensure there were no wider safeguarding concerns.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure children are protected online and offline while holding offenders to account.”