Multiple Former Teachers Charged, Sentenced for Sexual Offences Across US, Canada, Australia

Several teachers across North America and Australia have been charged or convicted of sexual offenses involving minors. At Hellesdon High School in the UK, James Thomson faces multiple charges related to sexual offenses involving a teenage girl dating back 15 years, prompting parental outrage over the school's communication. In Missouri, former substitute teacher Carissa Jenna Smith was arrested for violating no-contact orders with victims amid charges of sexual trafficking and other serious offenses. In Arizona, Breyden Avery-Michael Main began a one-year sentence after pleading guilty to exploiting a minor through requests for explicit images. Neil Barry, a former teacher and coach in the Northwest Territories, was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually abusing students over a decade ago. Meanwhile, Australian teacher Bradley Van Praag faces new charges including transmitting child abuse material and grooming, with prosecutors coordinating multiple cases against him.