PHILIP COOKE FROM WELLS FREED AFTER CHILD PORN CHARGES SHOCK COMMUNITY

In a case that has sparked widespread outrage and concern within the community, Philip Cooke, a 44-year-old science teacher from Wells, Somerset, was released from court after admitting to charges related to child pornography. The incident has sent shockwaves through the town, especially given Cooke's role at Millfield School, a prestigious institution where he earned an annual salary of £19,125.

Authorities conducted a thorough raid on Cooke's residence in Wells, uncovering a disturbing collection of over 400 explicit images of children downloaded from the internet. In addition to these images, investigators discovered several video clips depicting child pornography on his home computer. The evidence was substantial enough to warrant legal action, yet the magistrate, John Tanner from Frome, opted for a community-based sentence rather than imprisonment.

Cooke was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order, a measure intended to monitor and rehabilitate offenders outside of prison. As part of his sentence, he is required to sign the sex offenders' register for five years, and his computer equipment has been ordered to be destroyed to prevent further misuse. The decision has been met with strong criticism from child protection advocates and the public alike.

Michelle Elliott, the director of the child protection charity Kidscape, expressed her outrage, stating, "He should have been jailed." Her comments reflect the deep concern over the leniency of the sentence given the severity of the crimes.

Norman Brennan, representing the Victims of Crime Trust, also voiced his disapproval, emphasizing the societal disgust towards such depraved behavior. He remarked, "This type of depraved behaviour disgusts society," highlighting the broader implications of the case.

Cooke's arrest was part of a larger crackdown known as Operation Ore, which targeted internet predators involved in child exploitation. Beyond his role as a science teacher, Cooke also taught fencing and served as a house "parent" for boarders at Millfield School. The school has a notable alumni list, including model Sophie Dahl, DJ Tony Blackburn, and royal confidant James Hewitt.

Following the charges, Cooke resigned from his position at the school, leaving the community to grapple with the unsettling revelations about his activities and the perceived leniency of his sentencing.