A New York Jewish university accused by former students of failing to deal properly with sex abuse by staff members has hired a teacher with a criminal record of inappropriate sexual behaviour towards children.

Akiva Roth, 42, took up a new position as a Hebrew teacher at one of Yeshivah University’s (YU) undergraduate schools, Yeshivah College, at the beginning of this term.

US newspaper The Forward has reported that, in 1997, Roth pleaded guilty to four counts of “lewdness” against several boys, offences committed while working as a private barmitzvah tutor.

The Forward reported that, according to court records: “During private barmitzvah classes, Roth exposed and touched himself and encouraged the boys to do the same.”

He was given 10 years’ probation. There is no suggestion that Roth has abused anyone whilst working at YU

A $380m case is pending against YU filed by 19 former students of Yeshivah High School over allegations of a cover-up of sexual misconduct.