KEITH POTTS FROM WEST PELTON SHOCKS COMMUNITY AFTER CHILD PORN OFFENSES AND SCHOOL GOVERNOR REMOVAL

In a disturbing development that has sent shockwaves through the community of West Pelton, Keith Potts, a man with longstanding ties to local governance and education, has been embroiled in a serious criminal investigation related to child exploitation images. The incident has led to significant repercussions for his family and his role within the local school system.

Keith Potts, aged 60, a former Labour Party councillor who previously served on Chester-le-Street District Council, was found to have possessed 24 low-level indecent images of children. This discovery was made following police action, and he subsequently accepted a police caution for his actions. As part of the legal process, he is now required to sign the sex offenders register for a period of two years, a measure that underscores the severity of his offense.

It was revealed that Mr. Potts failed to disclose his arrest to authorities on November 12, 2008. This omission was significant because had he reported the arrest, it would have triggered an immediate suspension from his duties. Despite this, he continued to serve as the chairman of the board of governors at West Pelton Primary School, a position he held for 15 months alongside his wife, Maureen Potts, who has been actively involved in the school's administration for over a decade.

The local education authority responded swiftly to the revelations. They informed Maureen Potts that she could no longer serve on the school's governing board. A spokesperson for Durham County Council explained that, following proper procedures, the council has the authority to withdraw support for a school governor through local ward representatives. In this case, Coun Colin Carr, the local member for Ouston and Urpeth, withdrew his support, leading to her removal from the position.

Further investigations clarified that none of the images found on Keith Potts’ computer, located at his residence in Edenfield, West Pelton, Chester-le-Street, were connected to pupils at West Pelton Primary School. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the material was unrelated to any school children, alleviating concerns about direct harm to students. Nonetheless, the fact that Mr. Potts did not inform police or the Durham County Council of his arrest when it occurred was viewed as a serious breach of protocol.

Mr. Potts had served as the chairman of governors at the school for 27 years. However, after his arrest and the subsequent charges, he failed to notify the authorities of his position or the ongoing investigation. On January 26 of this year, he was formally charged with 13 counts of making indecent images of children. Despite these charges, he remained in his role until he resigned during his first court appearance at Consett Magistrates’ Court on February 9.

Following these events, the council confirmed that Maureen Potts was officially removed from her position as a governor at West Pelton Primary School as of February 19. Despite the controversy, she continues to serve as a county councillor. Attempts to reach Maureen Potts for comment were unsuccessful, and she has not publicly spoken about the incident. The case continues to attract attention and raises serious questions about oversight and safeguarding within local institutions.