Coach who assaulted teenager will keep working at school

A VOLUNTEER sports coach who received a police caution for assaulting a 16-year-old boy and damaging his motorbike will be allowed to continue working with children at a Jewish primary school.

Marc Hayeem, 46, was arrested on suspicion of assault, criminal damage and harassment after an incident at the Village Hotel in Elstree, Hertfordshire.

The Bushey resident was cautioned for assaulting the victim, 30 years his junior, and damaging his motorcycle.

The 16-year-old suffered “minor facial injuries”, Hertfordshire Police said, and Mr Hayeem was ordered to pay damages.

After being contacted by the JC on Wednesday, JFS, Europe’s largest Jewish school, said it had parted ways with Mr Hayeem by mutual agreement. The incident took place on September 7.

But Moriah Jewish Day School, a primary school in Pinner, north-west London, said it was “happy” for Mr Hayeem to continue working with its pupils.

Headteacher Ruth Gafson said the school deemed him safe after consulting the local authority, Harrow Council, and its own safeguarding procedures.

Mrs Gafson said: “We are happy for Marc to continue to volunteer in our school. He will be supported by a member of our staff during school time.

“Marc’s school clubs have been supported by a member of staff during this half-term and he has communicated to parents who attend his private club.

“The chair of governors and local authority are aware of the situation and I have followed their guidance.

“We would never put the safety of our kids at risk.”

Mr Hayeem also runs a private sports coaching firm, Coach Marc’s Sports Academy, which provides a private netball coaching service, and runs football and netball birthday parties.

According to his website, he is a fully qualified and licensed FA football coach and a fully qualified and registered netball instructor.

A parent with children at both Moriah and JFS, who wished to remain anonymous, told the JC he was “very concerned” Mr Hayeem had been allowed to continue to work with children.

He said: “The thing is he assaulted a child, really. He assaulted a 16-year-old, which is the same age as some of the kids he will be coaching at JFS.

“I think it would be different if he had assaulted an adult. I’m surprised he has been allowed to carry on.

“I wouldn’t be happy for him to coach my children. I’ve spoken to some other parents and I believe they mostly feel the same way.”

Mr Hayeem did not respond to requests for a comment.