FORMER DARTFORD TEACHER TIMOTHY MAPPS JAILED FOR INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN

In November 2011, Timothy Mapps, a 61-year-old former teacher from Dartford, was sentenced to 11 months in prison after being found with over 700 indecent images of children. Mapps, previously residing on Burnham Crescent, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on November 4 and admitted to six counts of making indecent images of children. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing indecent images and four counts of possessing images showing bestiality.

The investigation began when officers searched Mapps’ home following a link between his internet account and the downloading of indecent images and videos depicting child abuse. During the search, law enforcement seized computer equipment and software that contained more than 700 images and videos of child exploitation and animal abuse, ranging from levels one to five in severity.

Mapps denied actively searching for such material but claimed that while browsing adult pornography, he might have inadvertently received child abuse images, which he then viewed before deleting. Despite this, investigators found his computer housed more than four days' worth of illegal video content.

Detective Constable Jo Gordon of Kent Police commented on the case, stating, “Mapps had a large quantity of appalling videos featuring both child abuse and extreme material. Despite trying to make excuses and minimise his involvement, I am glad the judge has recognised his behaviour for what it is. This case should send a message to others involved in similar crime that Kent Police will work hard to track you down and deal with those involved in the making and distribution of indecent images of children, for which there is no excuse.”

As part of his sentence, Mapps received a lifetime ban from working with children, was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, and was issued a ten-year sexual offences prevention order.