Court

Ex-Teacher Who Downloaded Graphic Child Abuse Images Can Work With Kids Again
Thur 5th July 2012 , Yellow Advertiser

A FORMER teacher, who was sacked after downloading images of child abuse onto a school computer, is now allowed to work with young people again.

Jonathon Saunders, 42, of Cherwell Drive in Chelmsford, was sacked from James Hornsby School in Basildon after he downloaded almost 500 indecent images of children.

He appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday to vary the conditions of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) imposed in April last year.

The court heard that Saunders was planning to change career and become a graphic designer, but defence barrister Mark Brown said the order would need to be altered.

The order placed strict limitations on his use of computers and his ability to work with children.

It was put in place last year after a judge heard that the images Saunders downloaded included children as young as four being penetrated and ejaculated on by adult males.

The images were discovered after Saunders used his credit card to pay for the images.

He saved some of the images alongside his pupils' work on a laptop given to him by James Hornsby School.

Saunders worked at James Hornsby for three years and had previously taught at the FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh.

Saunders initially denied downloading the images and tried to shift the blame, telling police that his wife also used the computer.

He eventually admitted the offences and told police he had 'an addition to internet pornography'.

In the hearing on Wednesday, barrister Mr Brown said that working in a graphic design office, Saunders might come into contact with young people carrying out work experience.

A Crown Prosecution Service barrister agreed that there were very few jobs which did not involve occasional interaction with children.

Judge Owen Davies said Saunders' human rights had to be preserved and ruled that he could work with young people as long as his employer or supervisor was aware of his conviction and the contents of his SOPO.

He also removed a clause which demanded that Saunders' internet access be subject to monitoring or restricting software.

Peter Saunders from campaigning group National Association for People Abused in Childhood said he was concerned by the ruling.

He said: “Anybody convicted of possessing these vile images of children being raped has got to expect that at the very least they will be prevented from having anything to do, particularly at work, with children.

“This could be an extremely dangerous precedent that abusers will pounce on with glee.”

Back to Jonathon Saunders

Back to Court

Back to Portfolio