Computer instructor's porn shame

A computer teacher has been ordered to register as a sex offender after downloading more than 100 images of child pornography.

Paul Whitfield is currently suspended from his post as head of IT at Churchdown Comprehensive School.

The 35-year-old from Stockton-on-Tees, pleaded guilty to 16 offences of making and possessing indecent images in August 2004.

Cheltenham magistrates sentenced him to a three-year rehabilitation order.

The teacher who was sentenced was suspended immediately after the school was made aware of the allegations Spokesman, Gloucestershire County Council

He must also attend a sex offenders' programme and was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.

Prosecutor Peter Ashby said the offences came to light when a family with whom Whitfield was staying became suspicious of his computer use.

Police were called in and investigated the contents of various computers used by Whitfield, including a school-issued laptop.

Mr Ashby said they found a total of 103 images of under-age girls aged between 10 and 12 posing in various states of undress.

Tony Miles mitigating said Whitfield would never be able to work again as a teacher.

He said there had been "a total disruption of [Whitfield's] career and character".

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said: "We can confirm the teacher who was sentenced was suspended immediately after the school was made aware of the allegations against him."