Eton College language teacher, 35, accused of a string of sex offences against an underage boy

This is the first picture of the Eton teacher accused of a string of sex offences against an underage boy.

Jacob Leland, who worked as a language teacher at the £50,000 a year public school, has denied the 14 historical offences.

He appeared at Reading Crown Court today for a case management hearing where he sat impassively in the dock clutching a bottle of water.

The 35-year-old was not asked to enter a plea and was told he will go on trial in January 2025.

Leland wore a covid face mask only speaking once to confirm his name to the court clerk.

He has denied carrying out the sex offences while working at Eton from 2010- 2012.

The former teacher is accused of five counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a boy under 16 and four counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a boy under 16.

He is also charged with three counts of causing or inciting a boy under 16 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual assault on a male.

All the offences took place between 2010- 2012.

Leland, smartly dressed in a suit, blue shirt and yellow tie, was not asked to enter a plea during the case conference hearing.

The court was told that January 2025 would be the earliest date for a trial which is expected to last up to 10 days.

Judge Amzad Nawz told Leland he would continue on unconditional bail but warned him to attend any hearings that might be arranged ahead of his trial.

The judge said: ‘The trial date I am afraid is somewhat in the future. There is still a lot of work to be done.

‘You will continue on unconditional bail, but you must turn up when you hear from your solicitors.’

Leland, from Lincoln’s Inn Field, Camden, was first charged on October 20th via postal requisition.

After he appeared at Reading Magistrate’s Court last month the renowned public school issued a statement saying they fully supported the former pupil who had acted with ‘great courage and dignity’ throughout the police investigation.

The statement from the school, which was earlier attended by Prince William and Prince Harry, said: ‘Mr Leland taught at Eton from September 2010 until August 2012 and the charges, which are extremely serious, relate to his time working at the school.

‘Eton stands firmly beside those former pupils directly involved, who have acted with great courage and dignity throughout.

‘The welfare and wellbeing of our pupils is Eton’s top priority. When safeguarding concerns arise, they are dealt with in accordance with our established processes and we always work closely with the relevant authorities where appropriate, as we have in this case.