SIMON GREEN FROM BIGGLESWADE AND HITCHIN ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Biggleswade and Hitchin, Simon Green, a 38-year-old theatre school teacher, narrowly avoided imprisonment after admitting to possessing indecent images and videos of children. Green, who was married and involved in running a theatre group, was found to have committed these offenses while teaching youngsters aged between 10 and 18 at the Starlight Theatre group in Hitchin.

Details emerged during a court hearing at Luton Crown Court on a Friday, revealing that Green and his wife had their employment terminated following a police raid on their residence in Upper Caldecote, near Biggleswade, on October 1. The police investigation was prompted by the discovery of child sex abuse images linked to an IP address associated with the couple’s home through peer-to-peer file sharing software.

Authorities obtained a warrant to search the property and seized a laptop and a computer tower. An examination of the HP laptop uncovered a disturbing collection of images and videos, including 29 videos classified as Level A, the most serious category of indecent material. Additionally, there were 23 videos at Level B and 4 at Level C, along with 7 images at Level C. Although no indecent images were found on the computer tower, investigators discovered search phrases indicating an interest in children, and evidence suggested that software had been installed to attempt to delete viewing history.

Green was taken into custody and initially refused to comment when questioned by police. However, when informed that his wife would also be arrested, he agreed to be interviewed. During the interview, Green expressed remorse, stating he was ashamed of himself. He claimed he had no sexual interest in children but admitted to viewing indecent images since 2009.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one charge of possessing indecent images of children and five counts of downloading such images. His defense lawyer, Henry Day, highlighted Green’s previously good character, noting his academic background with a BA in Performing Arts and the support of his wife, who has been married to him for 15 years. The couple, who previously ran the theatre company, have now lost their jobs as a consequence of Green’s conviction and may face the sale of their home.

Green’s remorse was acknowledged by his legal team, who mentioned that he had sought counseling through the NHS. Character references were also provided by his wife, a nephew, and a parent of one of his pupils, in support of his case.

Judge Richard Foster addressed Green directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. He stated, “What you have to realize is that this type of offending involves real victims. These children are abused for the sexual gratification of the likes of you. By accessing this material, you are creating a market for that abuse and degradation.”

As a result, Green was sentenced to a six-month jail term, suspended for 12 months, with a requirement for 12 months of supervision to facilitate professional psychological help. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service, pay costs of £340, and sign the Sex Offender Register for five years. Additionally, Green will be subject to a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts his contact with children and involves the installation of specialist risk management software on any devices he owns to prevent access to illegal material. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the seized laptop and computer tower.

In closing, the judge remarked, “You are very lucky to be leaving court by the front door,” underscoring the seriousness of the case and the measures taken to prevent future offenses.