PETER TAYLOR SWINDON SCHOOL CARETAKER SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the local community in Swindon, Peter Taylor, a 68-year-old school caretaker, was found to possess a significant collection of child pornography images and videos stored on his personal computers. Despite the disturbing nature of the material, Taylor was handed a relatively lenient sentence after admitting to his crimes, which has sparked ongoing discussions about sentencing and rehabilitation in such cases.

Police officers conducted a search of Taylor’s residence in Swindon following his arrest in February of the previous year. During the search, two computers were seized, revealing a total of 617 images and videos. The judge described the content as 'heart rending and really disgusting' when viewing the material, highlighting the severity of the offense. However, the court was told that the number of images was relatively small compared to other cases, which influenced the sentencing decision.

At Swindon Crown Court, Judge Douglas Field presided over the case. He explained that Taylor would be given a suspended sentence, allowing him to avoid immediate imprisonment but subjecting him to strict conditions. The judge emphasized that Taylor would be eligible to participate in the Thames Valley Sex Offender Programme, a rehabilitation scheme aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending. This approach was deemed more beneficial for both the offender and the community.

Prosecutor Claire Marlow outlined the circumstances of the arrest, stating that Taylor was questioned after the computers were seized. Initially, Taylor claimed that his online activity was limited to adult sites, asserting that there was no child pornography involved. However, after the computers were examined, he admitted to possessing the images, claiming he had deleted them but was unaware they could still be recovered. He explained that most of the images had been sent to him by other men he had communicated with on a website.

Taylor, who resides on May Close in Gorse Hill, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing such images. His defense attorney, Rob Ross, argued that more than 500 of the images and videos were classified as level one, the lowest level of seriousness among the five categories. Ross emphasized that Taylor was acknowledging his problem and would benefit from participation in the accredited rehabilitation program. He also expressed remorse, stating that Taylor was aware of the shame he had brought upon himself, his wife, and his family.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Field acknowledged the disturbing nature of some images classified at levels four and five, which he described as 'absolutely heart rending and really disgusting.' Despite this, he noted that the total number of images was relatively small and that the most serious images did not constitute a large proportion of the collection. The judge explained that the sentencing guidelines typically recommend a six-month sentence, which could be reduced to four months for a guilty plea. Consequently, Taylor was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he would serve no time unless he reoffended within that period.

Additional conditions included a ban from working with children and a requirement to register as a sex offender for ten years. The court also ordered Taylor to undergo supervision and complete the Thames Valley Sex Offender Programme, measures intended to protect the public and facilitate his rehabilitation.

Taylor’s employment history includes roles as site manager at Liden Primary School from November 2001 and later as security manager at the Chalet School. Last month, parents of children attending these schools in Liden Drive were informed via a letter that Taylor had resigned following his suspension in February. The letter from Paul Kohn, the headteacher of Liden Primary School, clarified that the allegations were not related to children at either school. Swindon Council confirmed that Taylor had been employed in good faith and had passed a Criminal Records Bureau check prior to his employment, adding to the community’s concern over the case.