EX-BUSHEY MEADS TEACHER ADMITS INDECENT CHILD IMAGE OFFENCES
A schoolteacher has admitted six offences over indecent child images, while denying further charges.In a message sent to parents and carers yesterday evening (January 7), Bushey Meads School in Coldharbour Lane informed them of the charges against former employee Matthew O’Kelly.
Acknowledging that it is "obviously a matter of concern to the whole school community", the coeducational secondary school added that Herts Police have indicated there is no information to suggest any pupils of the school were affected at this stage.
According to a former pupil, O'Kelly, of Walton Road in Bushey, was head of sixth form prior to changing role and becoming a PE teacher.
He apparently remained in this role until around the time of his arrest.
The arrest took place on November 25 following an investigation by the child online safeguarding team.
O'Kelly was accused of arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, three offences of distributing indecent images of children, three offences of making indecent images of children, and causing a child under 13 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity.
The 42-year-old appeared at Hatfield Remand Court on November 27 and was remanded into custody ahead of an appearance in St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday (January 6).
He pleaded guilty to six offences related to indecent images but denied the commission of a child sex offence and causing a child to watch/look at sexual activity.
A trial has been set for May 26.
Bushey Meads School added: “Unfortunately, and while we understand that there may be questions, we are unable to share any further information until the legal process has been concluded.
The matter continues to be dealt with by the relevant authorities and with the utmost seriousness in line with all the correct policies and procedures.
As a school I would like to reassure you that our approach to safeguarding remains a priority through robust and regularly reviewed safeguarding practices.”
