ANTHONY DOOHAN FROM NORMANTON CAUGHT WITH INDECENT IMAGES OF BOYS IN DERBY PRIMARY SCHOOL SCANDAL

In April 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Anthony Doohan, a teaching assistant at a primary school in Derby, who was found to possess indecent images of young boys. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable children.

It was revealed during court proceedings that the discovery was made after Doohan’s former partner took his computer to the police. She had become suspicious after noticing inappropriate images and a video of the most serious category on his device. This evidence prompted a police investigation that uncovered the extent of Doohan’s online activities.

Anthony Doohan, aged 40 and a resident of Normanton, pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images of children. The court was informed that he had been employed for 15 years at a primary school near his home on Fleet Street, Normanton, where he worked with autistic and children with special needs. The school’s name was not disclosed during the proceedings, but it is understood to be in close proximity to his residence.

Judge Jonathan Taaffe presided over the case and sentenced Doohan to 44 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. The judge expressed grave concern over the nature of the offences, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He stated, “This is a very worrying and serious situation. You come across young people at your place of work, primarily those who have special needs, and you have deliberately searched for images of young boys in a sexual context for your own sexual gratification.”

Judge Taaffe further highlighted that such crimes are not victimless, noting that the images are created and circulated for a market on the dark web and the internet. He pointed out that the footage involves young boys and that the existence of such material fuels a disturbing industry.

Despite positive references from Doohan’s local priest and members of the Catholic church, the judge expressed concern about his continued viewing of pornographic images. While the defendant’s probation report indicated a low risk of reoffending, the judge was uncomfortable with his ongoing consumption of such material.

The case was brought to light after Doohan’s partner reported her concerns to the police, leading to the analysis of his computers. The investigation revealed that Doohan had been browsing a Russian website with indecent content, using search terms such as “boys” and “young Pakistani boy.” One of the most disturbing findings was a Category A movie depicting a boy aged between 12 and 14 engaging in sexual acts.

During police interviews, Doohan claimed that he had an interest in naturism and had previously visited naturist websites. However, the evidence against him was compelling, and he admitted to the charges.

In addition to the prison sentence, Doohan was ordered to undergo 30 days of rehabilitation and will be registered as a sex offender for the next seven years. He was also required to pay costs amounting to £85 and a victim surcharge of £80. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the serious consequences faced by those who exploit their innocence for personal gratification.