Richard Swinnerton, aged 30, has admitted to watching child sex abuse videos on the dark web. After hiding his identity for 2 years to carry out his depraved activity.
Admission of watching child sex abuse online: The deputy headmaster of St Clare’s Catholic Primary School in Acklam, Middleborough was arrested at his home in May. Following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
He admitted to the offenses and has now resigned from his post at the school. The teacher, from Coulby Newham, appeared on Monday at Teeside Magistrates Court. And admitted to 3 counts of having child sex abuse images from category A (the most severe) and categories B and C on his computer.
Officers told the court that when arrested, Mr Swinnerton had 87 of the most severe category A videos on his laptop. He is due to be sentenced by the court at a later date. Police have however stated that none of the images or videos were taken at the school were he worked. And there have been no allegations of physical abuse of the children he taught.
Julie Booker, NCA operations manager, said that he went to “great lengths” to maintain his anonymity on the dark web. Using software to do so, and enabling him to continue watching for 2 years. She went on to say that pedophiles such as Swinnerton are a contributing factor. To even more children being sexually abused. That causes them years of suffering and extreme trauma.
She finished off by saying that “protecting children from sexual abuse and stopping pedophiles is a top priority for the NCA”. Elizabeth Eddies, St Clares head teacher said. “that she wishes to reassure parents that the safety and well being of their children at the school is of paramount importance. And that the charges do not relate whatsoever to his employment at the school.”
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