A former headteacher who was discovered with hundreds of indecent images on his phone and told an undercover police officer that he loved "young girls" has avoided an immediate prison sentence. Dean Juric, 54, who led St Robert of Newminster School in Washington, Tyne and Wear, was handed a suspended jail term at Newcastle Crown Court.
Police Operation Uncovers Disturbing Material
The activities of the married father came to light after he was ensnared by a police decoy operating on a social media platform. Juric shared an image of two schoolgirls in uniform, aged approximately 15, with the undercover officer. He then proceeded to distribute an indecent image of a girl around 14 years old "posing in a sexual manner with her breasts partially exposed," according to prosecution details presented in court.
Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, revealed that in November 2024, Juric messaged the decoy again, asking if they were "horny" and inquiring about their interests. He subsequently sent a video featuring a "young girl" in tight-fitting clothing to the police officer.
Extensive Collection Found During Raid
This evidence prompted police to raid Juric's home in January 2025. During the search, officers discovered an iPhone containing a substantial collection of illegal material. Forensic analysts identified 54 category A images, which included 23 videos, alongside 36 category B images and 290 category C stills and videos.
Investigators also uncovered conversations between Juric and other paedophiles on the social media application. In one exchange, when asked what turned him on, Juric responded: "Schoolgirl." Regarding an image of a girl who appeared to be around 14, he messaged "perfect age." When questioned about his preferences, he stated: "Love young girls."
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Juric pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and one count of distributing an indecent image. Judge Graham Robinson imposed an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months. He also ordered Juric to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and undertake 40 days of rehabilitation activities.
Judge Robinson began his sentencing remarks by noting: "You have fallen a long way from grace – many years of dedicated service to the community, now all thrown away." He acknowledged Juric's background, stating: "There's another side to you that is not only good, it is exemplary. I also note you have taken steps to deal with what you recognise is unacceptable, criminal behaviour."
The judge expressed confidence in rehabilitation programmes for such offenders, mentioning he knew of only two cases where participants had reoffended. He told Juric: "I am entirely satisfied that there's not only a realistic possibility of rehabilitation, but it is a near certainty."
Additional Legal Requirements
Juric, of Tynemouth, North Tyneside, must sign the sex offenders' register for a decade and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration. These measures are designed to monitor his activities and restrict his access to potential victims.
School Trust's Response and Safeguarding Measures
A spokesperson for the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, which operates St Robert of Newminster School, issued a strong condemnation of Juric's actions. The statement read: "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."
The trust confirmed its full cooperation with Northumbria Police throughout the investigation, emphasising "absolute transparency" in the process. They noted that legal constraints prevented them from sharing details with the school community initially, but their priority was protecting the integrity of the investigation and pupil safety.
"There were never any warning signs or concerns about Dean Juric's behaviour," the spokesperson stated. "His arrest in January was a profound shock and betrayal of the trust placed in him by our entire community."
The trust acted immediately upon learning of the arrest, suspending Juric and severing all associations with him. They have referred the matter to teaching authorities who could potentially bar him from the profession permanently.
Rebuilding Community Trust
The educational trust acknowledged the "deeply unsettling period" and committed to rebuilding and strengthening the school community. They expressed gratitude to staff and parents at St Robert's for maintaining stability for pupils during this challenging time.
"To all parents and carers: safeguarding is, and will always remain, our highest priority," the statement concluded. "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."
