Middlesbrough Catholic School deputy head banned for life

Richard Swinnerton had watched child sexual abuse on the dark web for two years before he was arrested by National Crime Agency officers at his home in May 2020.

Now the 33-year-old’s case has been dealt with by the Teaching Regulation Agency which has also banned him from trying to get reinstated due the serious nature of his conviction.

When he was arrested, Swinnerton - who immediately resigned from his job at St Clare’s Catholic Primary School in Middlesbrough – told officers he used software to make himself anonymous on the dark web.

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The teacher also admitted watching the vile videos downstairs in his home while his wife and child were upstairs.

Swinnerton, of Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to three charges of possession of indecent images when he appeared at magistrates' court.

Richard Swinnerton

Officers found no evidence to suggest that any of the images were made at the school and there is no allegation of physical abuse.

Decision maker Sarah Buxcey said: “The advice indicates that there are cases involving certain conduct where it is likely that the public interest will have greater relevance and weigh in favour of not offering a review period.

“These cases include any activity involving viewing, taking, making, possessing, distributing or publishing any indecent photograph or image or indecent pseudo photograph or image of a child, including one off incidents.

“The panel did note that Mr Swinnerton was frank and forthcoming when first approached by the police and has admitted to his actions.

"However, the panel found that Mr Swinnerton was convicted of possession of indecent images of children which links to the behaviours where the panel should recommend no review period.”

At Teesside Crown Court in 2020, he was given a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was given a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention order.

Judge Deborah Sherwin also ordered to carry out 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days and attend 27 days at a specialist programme for sex offenders.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said one of the videos lasted for more than 36 minutes and another showed the sexual abuse of a two or three year old child.

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"His wife and child would be upstairs when he was viewing these images," he said.

"The purpose of the searches were for his own sexual gratification. He would view the images for about half an hour."

Mr Swinnerton has a right of appeal to the King’s Bench Division of the High Court within 28 days from the date he is given notice of this order.