UNITED KINGDOM
Independent Catholic News
By: Dan Bergin
Posted: Thursday, March 6, 2014
A priest based in London has admitted downloading more than 5,000 images of child abuse from the internet. Timothy Gardner, 41, is facing jail after he pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Monday to 10 counts of downloading the images. The collection was discovered when police searched his home at St Dominic’s Priory in Haverstock Hill and seized computers in August, after receiving information from the public.
Gardner taught RE at Maria Fidelis Catholic School in Euston for six years from 2006 to 2012. Headteacher Helen Gill said she was “shocked and saddened” by the revelations, but said none of the allegations related to his time at the school. “Since learning of the charges I have written to parents to provide this reassurance and we will, of course, provide necessary support to pupils and parents if required,” she added.
Gardner’s barrister, Louise Sweet, told the court he was of previous good character but said reports were needed regarding an alcohol problem.
Camden council said Gardner had undergone a full CRB check and there were no doubts about his behaviour during his time at the school, nor was there any suggestion that the images related to people from Camden.
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