CHRIS BIRKHEAD SHAMES BOURNEMOUTH AND CHARMINSTER WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Chris Birkhead, a former vice-principal of Weymouth College and a long-standing figure in Bournemouth and Charminster, has admitted to serious charges related to the possession and downloading of child pornography. The revelations emerged in October and November 2012, revealing a disturbing breach of trust by a man who was entrusted with safeguarding students.

Chris Birkhead, aged 52 and residing in Capstone Road, Charminster, Bournemouth, previously held a prominent role at Weymouth College, where he served as vice-principal and was responsible for overseeing student safeguarding. His employment history also includes a seven-year tenure at Bournemouth and Poole College, where he was the quality manager. His responsibilities at Bournemouth and Poole College included devising strategic action plans for one of the country's largest further education institutions.

The criminal charges against Birkhead involve the possession of indecent images of children, with a total of 20 charges admitted in court. These images were categorized across various levels of severity, including 282 images at level one, 10 at level two, 18 at level three, and 50 at level four, with the most serious images graded at level five. The images depicted children between the ages of eight and nine, and Birkhead admitted to accessing these images on his personal computer at home, without his family’s knowledge. He claimed that his curiosity, sparked after attending child protection courses, led him to view these images over several months. Birkhead stated that he viewed the images and then deleted them, asserting that he was aware of the criminal nature of his actions but denied any sexual gratification or risk to children.

Details of the investigation reveal that police executed a search warrant at Birkhead’s former residence on Belle Vue Road, Southbourne, on June 9 of the previous year. During the search, his laptop was seized, and Birkhead admitted to accessing indecent images of children. Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott explained that Birkhead had been on various child protection courses, which he claimed increased his curiosity. Birkhead explained that he had viewed the images in private, at home, and had taken steps to delete them afterward. Despite his claims of curiosity, the court was informed that Birkhead had no sexual gratification from the images and did not pose a risk to children.

In his defense, lawyer Robert Grey highlighted that Birkhead had confessed to the offenses prior to the computer being examined by experts. Grey also emphasized the support of Birkhead’s wife, Helen, who was present in court. He described the considerable hardships Birkhead faced following the allegations, including being told he could no longer live at his home, the loss of his job in telephone sales due to the publicity, and the requirement to vacate his residence. Grey pointed out that Birkhead, who had previously been of good character, had voluntarily sought treatment and expressed a profound sense of shame for his actions.

Judge Samuel Wiggs delivered the sentence, acknowledging the gravity of Birkhead’s misconduct but also considering his guilty plea, professional background, and efforts to seek help. The judge sentenced Birkhead to six months in prison, suspended for two years, with the condition that he participate in a sex offenders’ program and remain under supervision for two years. Additionally, Birkhead will be registered as a sex offender for seven years. The court’s decision reflects a balance between punishment and the recognition of his remorse and efforts to rehabilitate.

Meanwhile, the community and institutions involved continue to grapple with the implications of this case. Weymouth College’s new principal, Liz Myles, expressed her shock and emphasized that the charges pertain solely to Birkhead’s personal conduct, with no evidence suggesting misuse of college IT resources. She reassured that the college’s safeguarding policies had been followed and that the institution remains committed to protecting its students. Birkhead’s residence in Bournemouth and Charminster has since been vacated, and he is believed to be staying with a family member. When approached at his current address, Birkhead declined to comment, and neighbors confirmed he no longer resides there.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in safeguarding their communities from individuals who breach the trust placed in them. The community remains cautious, and authorities continue to monitor the situation as Birkhead prepares for his upcoming sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court on November 16.