A PE teacher is facing jail and the end of his career after admitting a sex attack on a woman as she slept.

Richard Duffy, who is now suspended from his job at Colne Primet High School, broke in to his victim’s home in July before sexually asaulting her.

Duffy, 32, is facing a lengthy jail term for the attack. He admitted the attack after DNA evidence linked him to the scene.

Headteacher at the school, Janet Walsh, said: “I can confirm that a teacher has been suspended since allegations were brought.

“His position within school will be dealt with in due course once there is a final legal outcome.”

Duffy was arrested at the school on July 8 after pupils had left for the day. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

Mrs Walsh said: “I would like to emphasise that the offence had nothing to do with any staff or pupils from primet High School, past or present.”

Duffy’s attack took place in the early hours of July 4. He snuck into the Hoghton home of a 32-year-old woman and attacked her in her bed.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault at Preston Crown Court.

Det Insp Paul Rudd said Duffy, of The Crossings, Hoghton, posed a clear risk to women.

Mr Rudd said: “I am pleased that Duffy has pleaded guilty to this offence sparing the victim the additional trauma of giving evidence.

“Duffy gave a no comment interview to police and has still to explain his actions on the night in question.

“This was an unusual offence against a woman in her own home and these types of offences are extremely rare and are vigorously investigated by Lancashire police.

“It is clear that Duffy poses a risk to women and I am pleased we managed to forensically link him to the offence at a very early stage and arrest him within days of the offence.”

Duffy, who was a promising footballer having previously played for Accrington Stanley reserves, will be sentenced on October 29.