NICK DINNEN LIVING NEAR CHELMSFORD SCHOOL PROMPTS PARENTAL ALERTS AND POLICE SCRUTINY

In a concerning development that has alarmed local parents and community members, residents of Chelmsford have been urged to exercise increased caution following the revelation that a convicted paedophile, Nick Dinnen, resides in close proximity to Melbourne Park Junior and Nursery School. The school’s head, Paula Jackman, took the step of reaching out to parents through a formal letter, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and personal supervision of children during their daily routines.

According to the letter, which was distributed to parents last week, the school is urging guardians to accompany their children to and from the premises and to report any suspicious activity or unfamiliar individuals loitering near the school grounds. While the letter did not explicitly name Dinnen, it highlighted the need for heightened awareness given the recent circumstances. Miss Jackman assured parents that the school’s security measures remain robust but acknowledged that they would be intensified in light of the recent information.

Nick Dinnen, aged 31, is a well-known figure in the local community, primarily recognized for his work as a children's book illustrator. His professional portfolio includes collaborations with notable clients such as British Airways and BT, and he operates a design company called Createbox. Despite his professional success, Dinnen’s criminal record has cast a shadow over his reputation. On December 2, at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, he pleaded guilty to charges related to the possession and creation of over 18,500 indecent images of children, which he had downloaded and stored at his residence since July 2002.

In a statement to parents, Miss Jackman refrained from naming Dinnen directly but emphasized the importance of community vigilance. She wrote, “I ask that you continue to escort your children to and from school. Please inform us should you have any concerns about strangers outside the school.” The letter further reassured that the school remains a secure environment, with staff committed to maintaining safety and security at all times.

It was revealed that Dinnen had previously been involved in IT projects at other schools, including Dunmow Junior School, where he was photographed during the opening of a new £35,000 computer suite in 1999. However, his connection to Melbourne Park School was not publicly known until recently. The school only became aware of his conviction last week when the Chronicle contacted Miss Jackman for comment. Dinnen was released on unconditional bail pending sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, where he is expected to face a custodial sentence.

Since police raided his home last July, Dinnen has been allowed to remain there under bail conditions. The school’s governing body convened an emergency meeting last Friday to discuss the situation and subsequently sent a letter to parents on Tuesday, informing them of the developments and the ongoing concerns.

Local residents and neighbors have expressed frustration and outrage over what they perceive as a failure by authorities to restrict Dinnen’s residence near a school. Some residents have criticized Chelmsford Magistrates Court for not imposing a ban on Dinnen living at his current address. Others claim that Essex Police officers have indicated they lack the authority to move him, citing legal limitations until his sentencing. One resident remarked, “When we complained to the police, they said they were powerless until he was sentenced. I find it unbelievable that a convicted paedophile should be allowed to continue living near a school.”

In addition to his criminal activities, Dinnen maintains an online presence through a website called ‘ecademy,’ which connects business professionals. His profile on the site features his work as a web and graphic designer, showcasing his professional services to potential clients. Despite his criminal record, he continues to operate in the digital space, raising further concerns among community members about the safety and well-being of children in the area.