A former Salford University staff member has been jailed after sexually assaulting two children.
Joseph Tonner, 54, from Runcorn, committed ‘depraved and sickening’ offences against his young victims, said investigators from North Yorkshire Police.
On 8 July 2015 Tonner pleaded guilty at Teeside Crown Court to four counts of sexual assault against a child under 13.
Later that month he pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted rape of a child under 13.
Tonner, from Runcorn, switched his plea just two days before he was due to stand trial for the crimes.
On 17 August he was jailed for eight years to run consecutively.
DC Rich Hampson from North Yorkshire Police said: “Joseph Tonner is a depraved individual who subjected his young victims to sickening abuse.
“It is very pleasing that he has been brought to justice and now faces a long time behind bars for the misery he has caused.
“I hope the victims and everybody affected by Tonner’s actions can begin to rebuild their lives following this terrible ordeal.”
Until his arrest the 54-year-old worked as a technician at Salford University’s IT department.
The assaults did not take place in Salford and were not related to his employment at the university.
In a statement the University of Salford said: “Following Joseph’s Tonner’s conviction his employment with the University was terminated with immediate effect.”
