GAVIN BRAY FROM BRIDPORT AND TAUNTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES CASE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bridport and Taunton, Gavin Michael Bray, a 35-year-old former secondary school teacher, has been convicted of possessing indecent images of children. Bray, who was previously employed at Sir John Colfox School in Bridport, appeared before Taunton Crown Court to face charges related to his possession of these illicit images.

Bray pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children aged between six and 14. The charges stem from a total of 60 images discovered on his computer during a search of his residence following his arrest in September 2012. It is important to note that none of these images involved students from Sir John Colfox School, despite Bray’s position as a teacher there.

The court proceedings revealed that Bray’s computer contained images classified at various levels of severity, with the most serious being level five. Specifically, the authorities found 49 images categorized as level one, two images at level two, three images at level three, and six images at level four. Additionally, Bray’s laptop contained a single level one movie. The images depicted children under the age of 15, with varying degrees of degradation, according to the prosecution.

Prosecutor Richard Posner detailed that Bray’s collection also included non-indecent photographs of Sir John Colfox School students, which had been taken from their Facebook profiles. The investigation covered a period of approximately 15 months, spanning the years 2011 and 2012.

During the court hearing, Emma Martin, representing the defense, acknowledged Bray’s remorse, stating, “The defendant recognizes the serious nature of his offending. He has moved away from his family and is doing everything in his power to make things better.” Bray, who previously resided in Taunton, was described as a man of good character prior to these events. He had voluntarily sought help for his issues and had undertaken a treatment course, traveling 70 miles each way to attend.

In sentencing, Judge Graham Hume Jones ordered Bray to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years and disqualified him from working with children. Bray was also given a community order that includes a supervision requirement for three years, during which he must complete 200 hours of unpaid community service and participate in an Internet Sex Offender Treatment programme.

The judge emphasized the gravity of the case, noting that Bray’s role as a teacher and his position of trust aggravated the offense. He stated, “There were a small amount of category four images included in your offending and that takes this case over the custodial threshold.” The court also highlighted the disturbing fact that Bray had images of pupils from Sir John Colfox School stored on his computer, which added to the seriousness of the case.

Judge Jones concluded that a custodial sentence was not appropriate at this time, citing the need to protect the public. Instead, he imposed a community order with supervision for three years and established a Sex Offender Prevention Order, which will be reviewed periodically. The court’s decision aims to balance the need for public safety with the recognition of Bray’s remorse and efforts to seek help.