A FORMER teacher at Gable Hall school has admitted to a number of charges in relation to downloading images of child abuse.
Peter Goldsmith, aged 55, of Pocklington Close, Chelmsford pled guilty to three charges in relation to downloading category A, B and C images of children when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court.
Goldsmith was sentenced to the following:
1. Community order made. Programme Requirement: Participate in an accredited programme for 60 days. or as directed – ISOTP (internet Sexual offending treatment programme), Rehabilitation Activity Requirement: Offender to comply with any instructions of the responsible officer to attend appointments (with the responsible officer or someone else nominated by them), or to participate in any activity as required by the responsible officer up to a maximum of 40 days.
2. Unpaid Work Requirement: Carry out unpaid work for 200 hours within the next twelve months. This work will be supervised by the responsible officer.
3. A fine of £85.00
An application for a sexual harm prevention order was granted.
Whilst the order is in force Goldsmith is subject to the following prohibitions:
1) from using any device capable of accessing the internet unless:
a) it has the capacity to retain and display the history of internet use and is at all times set to do so
b) he makes the device available on request for inspection by a Police Officer other than a device for which he has prior approval of the Chief Officer of Police in the area in which you reside or one of his delegated officers
2) delete such internet history
3) possess any device capable of storing digital images unless he makes it available on request for inspection by a Police Officer
4) acquire or use any software which is specifically designed to destroy/delete internet history/activity or which is designed to encrypt data held on such a device
5) acquire any device capable of storing images unless he gives his monitoring officer prior notification of the acquisition of such a device
In March, the head of Gable Hall school issued a statement regarding Goldsmith.
Dr Sophia Asong said: “We have been made aware that a former member of staff, Mr Peter Goldsmith, has been charged with offences relating to downloading indecent images of children and is being brought to Magistrates’ Court today.
“None of these charges relate to Mr Goldsmith’s activities in a school setting and are related to activities in his personal life.
“The safeguarding of our children remains our key focus and we understand that this news may be upsetting to those who knew him.
“I would like to reassure every one that we know there are no direct links to any of our students. We have, however, been working closely with the Local Authority Safeguarding Officer for Thurrock to ensure that provision is available to support our students and parents should any specific safeguarding concerns regarding this individual emerge at this point.
“If this is the case, bearing in mind that this is the Easter break and communication with school is limited, please contact either of the following: Essex Police on 101 and ask for DC Kirsty Ali or Thurrock Multi Agency Hub (MASH) on 01375 652802, where staff are on hand to register any concerns raised.
“I would like to thank you for your kind attention and strong support”.
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