JACOB KENNEDY FROM ONEHOUSE SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES IN SUFFOLK

In December 2021, a serious case involving a teaching assistant from Onehouse was brought to light in Suffolk, highlighting the disturbing presence of indecent images of children on his devices and his subsequent attempts to conceal his activities.

Jacob Kennedy, aged 28, found himself at the center of this investigation after police seized electronic devices from his possession following a referral from the National Crime Agency in 2019. The analysis of these devices revealed a troubling collection of illegal material, including a total of 328 indecent images of children and five videos, which were classified into various categories based on severity.

Specifically, a laptop belonging to Kennedy was scrutinized, uncovering 154 images and three videos categorized as Level A, indicating the most serious nature of the content. Additionally, investigators discovered 103 images in Category B, and 71 images along with two videos in the less severe Category C. These findings painted a disturbing picture of Kennedy’s online activity and his access to such illicit material.

The court proceedings also revealed Kennedy’s attempts to secure employment within the local education sector. In November 2020, he applied for a position at Combs Ford Primary School in Stowmarket. However, his application was flagged when a reference from a school in Lincolnshire indicated that they had no record of him ever working there, leading to police being notified. Despite not securing that particular role, Kennedy managed to obtain a short-term position through a teaching agency, working for seven days as a supply teaching assistant at a school in Ipswich that caters to children with disabilities and learning difficulties.

Prior to the sentencing, Kennedy, of Drury Close, Onehouse, admitted to multiple charges, including three counts of making indecent images of children and two counts of fraud by false representation. His actions and the evidence against him resulted in a court hearing where he was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years. The court also mandated that Kennedy participate in a 35-day rehabilitation activity and engage in a sex offenders’ treatment programme.

Furthermore, Kennedy was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the same duration. During the sentencing, Recorder Graham Huston expressed grave concern, stating, “The overwhelming anxiety of the court is that you committed the frauds to be able to have access to vulnerable children in whom you had a sexual interest.” This case underscores the ongoing efforts to protect children from exploitation and the importance of vigilance within the education sector and beyond.