BRADFORD TEACHER THOMAS NASSIRI CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 3,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN MORLEY AND QUEENSBURY

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bradford, Morley, and Queensbury, a local schoolteacher named Thomas Nassiri has been found guilty of possessing an alarming number of indecent images of children. The incident came to light after police investigations revealed that Nassiri, aged 29, had downloaded a staggering total of 2,970 illicit images from the internet, which were discovered on his personal computer.

Leeds Crown Court heard that the majority of these images, approximately 90%, were classified as 'level one,' indicating the least severe category of child exploitation material. However, the court was also shown 89 images that fell into a more serious classification, specifically level four, which denotes a higher degree of harm and exploitation. This stark contrast highlighted the disturbing nature of Nassiri’s online activity.

Judge Peter Collier QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Nassiri to a 12-week prison term. Nevertheless, the judge suspended the sentence for two years, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation through participation in a Sex Offenders Treatment Programme. Probation services indicated that this approach would significantly benefit Nassiri’s chances of reform. In addition to the suspended sentence, Nassiri was ordered to undergo two years of supervision by the probation service, and he was also subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Furthermore, he was mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of five years.

The court proceedings revealed that Nassiri, who had qualified as a teacher in 2004, had previously worked at Bradford Grammar School and Challenge College in Bradford. At the time of his arrest in November 2007, he was employed at Queensbury High School. Following his detention, he was suspended from his teaching duties and subsequently resigned from his position.

Prosecutor Stephen Uttley explained that Nassiri was apprehended at his residence on Alfred Street in Churwell, Morley, after authorities in Germany provided intelligence about individuals downloading child abuse images from the internet. The investigation confirmed that all the images involved young children, and it was revealed that Nassiri had been viewing such material for six or seven years, including during his training and employment as a teacher.

Initially, Nassiri denied any interest in boys under 18, claiming he was not attracted to minors. However, he later admitted that he found teenagers attractive, but insisted he was not interested in those aged between 12 and 15. His defense lawyer, Robin Frieze, argued that Nassiri had fallen into a pattern of accessing low-level material and that the more serious images appeared to be a reckless, unintentional consequence rather than a deliberate pursuit. Frieze emphasized that Nassiri had already suffered significant consequences, including the loss of his career and estrangement from his family, and was unlikely to re-offend.

Judge Collier addressed the court, warning that viewing low-level child pornography often leads to an escalation toward more serious material. He stressed that such activities are closely monitored and that offenders are likely to be identified eventually. As Nassiri left the court, he covered himself with a hooded coat and refused to comment on the proceedings, leaving a community shaken by the revelations of his actions.