GREGORY MICHAEL MILLER SHOCKS BRISTOL AND BUCKFAST WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bristol and Buckfast, Gregory Michael Miller, an 80-year-old former monk and headteacher, has been found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children. The case, which was heard at Plymouth Magistrates Court, revealed the extent of Miller's disturbing activities and his long-standing history within religious and educational institutions.

According to court records, Miller was found to have downloaded and edited a vast collection of over 5,000 images depicting children aged between seven and thirteen. These images were discovered on his personal computer during an investigation initiated by computer technicians at Buckfast Abbey, where Miller had previously worked as a librarian after leaving his role as a headteacher at various schools. The discovery was made as part of new safeguarding measures implemented at the Abbey, which led to the police being called on May 1 of the previous year.

Prosecutor Gareth Warden detailed to the court that Miller admitted to police that he had been viewing these illicit images for approximately six months prior to his arrest. He also confessed to editing the images by placing different heads onto bodies, a disturbing detail that underscored the depravity of his actions. Miller reportedly told police that he had an ongoing interest in children, specifically young boys, whom he described as having “beautiful” bodies. This revelation added a layer of concern about his long-term interests and potential risk to children.

The images found on Miller’s computer were classified at various levels of severity, with the majority being at the lower levels, but some reaching the most serious categories. Specifically, authorities identified 4,661 images at level one, 52 at level two, 26 at level three, eight at level four, and nine at level five, which is considered the most severe. Additionally, 45 images categorized as level five had been deleted, indicating an attempt to conceal the extent of his collection. The images were reportedly sourced from a Chinese website, and Miller claimed that his interest was purely for fantasy, with no physical contact involved.

During the court proceedings, it was emphasized that Miller’s computer contained some of the most depraved images prosecutors had encountered. The court also heard that Miller had joined the monastic brotherhood in 1949, dedicating much of his life to teaching and religious service. He had served as a headteacher before leaving the profession at age 55, after which he moved into Buckfast Abbey, where he continued to work as a librarian. Currently, Miller resides in Bristol at The Eye, Glass Wharf, as part of a Catholic community.

In March 2013, Miller pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing such images. The court was informed that police had found the images on his computer during a routine inspection, and he had admitted to police that he had been viewing them for six months. The investigation also uncovered that he had edited the images, placing different heads on bodies, and expressed a disturbing interest in young boys.

The court was told that Miller’s actions were incompatible with his status as a monk, leading to his departure from the monastic community at the end of 2012. The case was adjourned until April 10 for a probation report, which will determine his future sentencing. The abbey’s safeguarding officer expressed their dismay and emphasized that the community remains committed to safety and protecting children. They also reiterated the importance of reporting any concerns to Childline at 0800 1111.

In response to the scandal, the abbey’s safeguarding coordinator, Gary Gunby, highlighted ongoing efforts to improve safeguarding measures and work closely with authorities. The abbot and other monks agreed that Miller’s behavior was fundamentally incompatible with his role as a monk, leading to his immediate removal from the community at the end of 2012. The case has cast a long shadow over the once-respected religious and educational institutions involved, raising serious questions about oversight and safeguarding within these communities.