MARTIN BARNSDALL FROM NORTH WINGFIELD JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT OLD HALL JUNIOR SCHOOL IN DERBYSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has left many parents feeling betrayed and uninformed, Martin Barnsdall, a former employee of Old Hall Junior School located in Derbyshire, was sentenced to 26 months in prison in May after police uncovered indecent images of children on his personal computer. The revelation has sparked outrage among the local community, especially as many parents only became aware of his criminal activities several months after his arrest.

Parents expressed their frustration and concern, claiming they were kept in the dark for an extended period. Many reported receiving a letter from the school only over the recent weekend, which finally disclosed the details of Barnsdall’s conviction. This delay in communication has led to feelings of betrayal, with some parents stating they felt abandoned by the school’s administration. One parent, who chose to remain anonymous, remarked, “I’m shocked and really disappointed the school didn’t let us know he’d even been suspended and that we’re only getting to learn about it more than a year on.”

Another concerned parent added, “We’ve been left in the dark over this,” highlighting the community’s sense of neglect and the need for transparency in such serious matters.

Sharon Stone, the headteacher at Old Hall Junior School, issued a statement addressing the situation. She explained that the school had taken immediate steps to reassure parents and protect pupils. “We wrote to parents to reassure them that the offences did not relate to the school or our pupils after rumours began circulating in the community,” she said. Stone emphasized that the school acted swiftly once police informed them of the allegations, suspending Barnsdall in September of the previous year and later accepting his resignation. The headteacher assured that all appropriate measures were taken in consultation with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the children.

Martin Barnsdall, aged 52 and residing at Glebe Gardens in North Wingfield, pleaded guilty at Derby Crown Court to multiple charges, including three counts of making indecent photographs of children, one count of voyeurism, and possession of extreme pornographic images. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was issued a ten-year sexual offences’ prevention order.

Derbyshire police issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding children. A police spokesperson said, “We worked jointly with Old Hall School and can reassure parents that there was no evidence of any contact offending or material relating to any pupils at the school. This was a proactive investigation led by Derbyshire police and shows that we treat matters of this nature involving children with the utmost seriousness and priority.”

Authorities continue to encourage the public to come forward with any information related to crimes involving children. They can contact Derbyshire police at 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111, emphasizing their ongoing dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served.