Philip Watson

Philip Watson, 60, of South Shields, was sentenced to seven years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court on 27 August 2026. Watson, a former teaching assistant who worked in the Sunderland and Northumberland areas, including at the former Maplewood School, was convicted of four counts of indecent assault relating to offences against boys during the 1990s.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Watson is subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must remain on the sex offenders register for life. This case marks his second conviction for similar offences against former pupils; he was previously jailed in 2017 following reports from victims that emerged after his initial arrest.