Locations
The Philog, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14
Description
A member of staff at a primary school was found in possession of indecent images of children including the most serious category. The man was said to have been "immediately removed from the school" after the offences came to light.
Steven Jones, 51, an employee of Ynyshir Primary School in Porth, pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of indecent images of children. These included 109 category A images, 150 category B images and 75 category C images. It's not suggested any pupils from the school were depicted in the images.
The defendant, of The Philog, Whitchurch, Cardiff, was arrested on September 26 last year and later admitted the offences. He was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Wednesday to 12 months imprisonment and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for 10 years.
Following the hearing, parents at Ynyshir Primary School were written to by headteacher Paula Phillips, who said: "It is with great regret that I wish to inform you that a member of teaching staff from our school has pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing indecent images of children. Sentencing took place today at Newport Crown Court.
"Now that the criminal process has concluded, the school and its governing body, in partnership with key council services, will undertake internal disciplinary processes to consider suitability for employment and any necessary referrals to the relevant professional bodies, as deemed appropriate."
In a statement, a spokesman for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council on behalf of the school, said: "This incident has shocked and appalled our school and wider community. Whilst we are advised that these images did not include children from our school, these crimes have undoubtedly impacted on many, and we hope that the sentence imposed will help those affected. As soon as professionals were made aware of these serious allegations and police intervention, the staff member was immediately removed from the school.
“We would like to thank South Wales Police for their work in helping to keep our children and communities safe. As a school we will continue to work with our partners and families to ensure that our learners remain safe and protected, which is our absolute priority.”