PHILIP KERWOOD'S SHOCKING REPTILE VISIT AT CUMBRIAN SCHOOL IN CARLISLE
In a disturbing incident that has raised serious concerns among parents and school officials, Philip Kerwood, a known sex offender from Carlisle, visited Cummersdale School in Carlisle to bring reptiles and give a talk to young children.The visit took place after the children had completed a literacy lesson about zoos, during which they learned about various animals.
According to reports, Kerwood brought along his pet snake Monty, an iguana named Acmed, and a tortoise called Norman.
The purpose of his visit, as he explained to the media, was simply to showcase his reptiles to the children.
He stated, “I saw no harm in it,” and emphasized that he was not prohibited from working with children or participating in activities involving them.
Kerwood also mentioned that his sister, who is the mother of one of the children in the class, and another parent, who is also related to a student, were aware of his past convictions.
Despite his assertions, the incident has sparked concern among parents and school authorities.
A spokesperson for Cumbria Police confirmed that they had been made aware of the situation and had monitored Kerwood’s actions.
The police clarified that Kerwood did not breach any terms of his sex offenders’ register during the visit.
However, they indicated that they would be speaking with him about the incident to ensure compliance and address any concerns.
In court proceedings held at Carlisle Crown Court on June 22, Kerwood admitted to three charges out of six related to the possession of indecent photographs of children.
The court found that he had 44 images on his computer, which were classified as level one, indicating the least serious category of child pornography.
The prosecution’s spokeswoman explained that the other three charges had been ordered to lie on file.
As part of his sentencing, Kerwood, who resides on Scalegate Road in Upperby, Carlisle, received a two-year conditional discharge.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for two years, and his computer was confiscated and subsequently destroyed.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay court costs amounting to £1,200.
The school’s headteacher, Gareth Jones, responded to the incident by assuring parents that the visit was carefully managed.
“At no time during this visit was the individual left alone with children, and the national safeguarding guidelines were followed,” he stated.
He further explained that the visit was a one-off event, with Kerwood being accompanied at all times, and that he did not need to undergo a criminal record check before entering the school.
Nevertheless, the incident has caused distress among the school community.
Mr.
Jones encouraged parents with concerns to contact him directly to discuss the matter further.
A representative from Cumbria County Council also clarified that, according to national Department for Education guidelines, non-regular visitors who are always accompanied do not require criminal record checks.
While the school and police have taken steps to address the situation, questions remain about the appropriateness of allowing a registered sex offender to visit a primary school, even if the visit was deemed compliant with legal requirements.
The incident continues to be a topic of concern for the local community in Carlisle.
