Ballakermeen teacher who had indecent images of children 'abused his position of trust'

Police say 'no contact offences' were committed on students

Ballakermeen High School says the ‘safety and wellbeing’ of children at the educational establishment is its ‘utmost priority’.

It comes after a former teacher admitted making and possessing indecent pseudo images of children.

The statement from the school comes just two days after its former employee – Liam Taylor – appeared at Douglas Courthouse.

The 26-year-old, who now resides in the United Kingdom, pleaded guilty to six offences.

He’ll be sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery and will next appear there on 31 January.

The Isle of Man Constabulary says Taylor abused his ‘position of trust’ to obtain non-indecent photos of students which he then adapted using artificial intelligence.

Detective Inspector Nick Haxby from the Protecting Vulnerable People Investigation team said: "My team and officers from the Digital Evidence Unit have worked with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and a thorough investigation has been conducted.

"As a result of the investigation we are satisfied that no contact offences have been committed by the defendant on any of the students affected by his actions.”

Following Taylor’s appearance the headteacher of Ballakermeen has written to parents and carers.

The email, sent today (23 January) says: "While we cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings we want to reaffirm that the safety and wellbeing of children is our utmost priority.

"The department has strict safeguarding policies in place and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure these are upheld."