JOHN BRIDGE, WESTCLIFF HOME TUTOR, REMAINS ACTIVE DESPITE SEX OFFENDERS LIST PLACEMENT

In September 2003, a home tutor named John Bridge, residing on Cliff Avenue, Westcliff, was placed on the Sex Offenders Register following a global investigation into child pornography. Although he was not formally charged, Bridge was arrested by Essex Police as part of Operation Ore and was considered a "high priority" due to his operation of a private education business.

He was released on police bail until June 12, when he received a police caution for possession of indecent images of children stored on his computer. The caution was issued despite his not facing formal charges, and he was mandated to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

Bridge, aged 53, who previously served as a governor at Darlinghurst nursery and primary school in Leigh—an appointment made by the local education authority—has continued to promote his private tutoring services through advertisements in the Yellow Pages, Echo classifieds, and via an educational website.

The Evening Echo reports that he was immediately suspended from his role as governor following his arrest. His website features sections on child protection, and he shares details of his previous employment as an education welfare officer in North Lambeth. Additionally, the site provides links to resources offering advice on protecting children from sexual abuse and online pornography.

When contacted by a reporter posing as a parent seeking private lessons for their nine-year-old daughter, Mr. Bridge advised that lessons should start immediately "to get them into the way of thinking for the exam," and offered to visit the parent’s home on Saturday mornings at a rate of £15 per hour.

A spokesperson from Essex County Council stated that, under current laws, individuals listed on the Sex Offenders Register are prohibited from teaching in state schools.