DAVID ARMSTRONG FROM DEVIZES AND TILEHURST SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Devizes and Tilehurst, supply teacher David Armstrong, aged 63, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to possessing a vast collection of indecent images of children. The disturbing discovery came to light during an investigation that involved a vigilant teaching assistant who noticed suspicious files on Armstrong’s laptop.

Armstrong, who resided on Teasel Close in Devizes, was employed at the Little Heath School located in Tilehurst, near Reading, at the time the offences were uncovered. The court heard that the files on his device bore explicit and disturbing names such as “rape wife,” “nude model,” and “gay alligator,” which prompted the concerned staff member to report him to authorities.

Following the report, Armstrong was swiftly arrested. An examination of his electronic devices revealed that he possessed approximately 4,500 indecent images and videos spread across two laptops and an external hard drive. Of particular concern, more than 300 of these files fell into the most serious categories, some depicting children as young as two years old. The sheer volume and nature of the material underscored the gravity of the case.

At Reading Crown Court, Armstrong faced multiple charges related to the creation and possession of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children, spanning the years 2007 to 2010. He pleaded guilty to five counts, which led to his sentencing on a Friday. The court sentenced him to 12 months in prison for each charge, but these sentences were suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period.

During the proceedings, the judge, Mary Jane Mowat, acknowledged that Armstrong had been aware of his attraction to children since his twenties. She remarked that the collection of images was substantial, with some of the worst material amounting to around 300 files. Despite his long career—spanning 40 years as a teacher—this was his first conviction. The judge emphasized that while attraction to children is not a crime in itself, it is crucial for individuals to maintain control over such urges.

As part of his sentence, Armstrong was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Prevention Order that prohibits him from owning or using any device capable of connecting to the internet, effectively banning him from accessing online content. He was also ordered to pay £500 in court costs and to undergo treatment aimed at preventing reoffending. Importantly, he is now automatically barred from working with children in any capacity.

Robin Shellard, representing Armstrong, defended his client by highlighting his good character. Shellard noted that Armstrong, who is married and the primary caregiver for his elderly mother, has worked at numerous schools and colleges with an otherwise impeccable record. He also pointed out that some of the images found were not of real children but were Japanese animated images, and that only a small fraction—about 0.5 percent—were in the most serious category. Despite these mitigating factors, the court’s decision reflected the seriousness of the offences committed.