GARY CLEMENT FROM TWICKENHAM JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERED IN HIS HOME

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Twickenham and the surrounding areas, Gary Clement, a 33-year-old teacher, has been sentenced to prison after authorities uncovered an extensive collection of child pornography on his personal computer. The investigation revealed that Clement, who was employed at Buckingham Primary School in nearby Hampton, had amassed a staggering total of 14,000 illicit images, some depicting the most heinous forms of abuse.

On December 17, 2002, police executed a search warrant at Clement's residence on Talma Gardens, following a tip-off and subsequent investigation. At the time, Clement had been working at Buckingham Primary School for just three months, having started his employment in September 2002. The school community was unaware of his criminal activities until the police investigation came to light.

During the raid, officers discovered a horrifying collection of images—13,708 in total—among which 126 depicted sadistic acts and bestiality involving children, while 552 images showed adults raping minors. The severity of the material prompted immediate action, and Clement was arrested on the spot. He later admitted to eight counts of making indecent photographs of children, a charge that underscores the gravity of his offenses.

Following his arrest, Clement was suspended from his teaching duties at Buckingham Primary School. The very next day, he resigned from his position, leaving the school community in shock and disbelief. Despite the disturbing nature of his collection, officials from Richmond upon Thames Council assured the public that the pupils at Buckingham were not at any risk. A council spokesperson emphasized that thorough background checks were conducted before Clement's employment, and there was no indication of any prior misconduct or criminal record.

In fact, the council highlighted that their screening procedures are among the most rigorous among local education authorities, and the police investigation confirmed that Clement had no previous convictions or suspicions. The authorities also reassured parents and guardians that police had thoroughly examined Buckingham School's computer systems and found no evidence of any inappropriate material related to the school or its students.

Commenting on the case, a representative from the council stated, “We carried out all the appropriate checks at the time he was employed. Our procedures are among the most stringent of any LEA. There was nothing in his background to raise suspicions.” The council further emphasized that Clement’s criminal activities were entirely separate from his professional environment, and there was no indication that he brought his illegal behavior into the classroom.

Detective Constable Trevor Brown, a member of the Metropolitan Police’s paedophile unit, described Clement’s collection as “some of the very worst I have viewed.” The investigation was further complicated when Clement was identified through a credit card transaction on a website, which was traced back to him by the FBI, leading to his arrest.

In court proceedings held at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court, Clement was sentenced to two years in prison. The judge also imposed a lifelong ban on him working with children, effectively preventing him from ever returning to a teaching or similar role involving minors. The case has left many in the community deeply disturbed, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by individuals who conceal such depraved interests behind a facade of respectability.