Primary school teacher possessed indecent images.

Harborne Primary School has issued a statement after a former assistant headteacher, Andrew Shelton, was jailed for nearly three years for attempting to seduce a 13-year-old girl and possessing indecent images of children.

Shelton, who was suspended from the school in July 2017 and dismissed in January 2018, was found to have 93 indecent images across his computer and mobile phone, along with evidence that he had messaged other youngsters and searched for indecent images of children.

The school has reassured parents that none of the offences relate to his former role at the school. The statement reads:

"Some of you may have seen media coverage about a former assistant head teacher at this school who earlier this week was jailed in relation to child sex offences. I understand this might cause concern but I would like to reassure all parents and carers that police have confirmed that none of the offences relate to his former role at the school, and he was suspended from the school in July 2017 and then dismissed in January 2018. The safety and wellbeing of our children is our absolute priority and if any parents have concerns they can contact Mandy Hughes, Head Teacher."

Det Sgt Rob Grace, from the forces Public Protection Unit, said: "Shelton was trying to coerce children over the internet and encourage them to send inappropriate images. He was a role model for young people as a teacher but away from the classroom he preyed on them for his own gratification. Safeguarding of children will always be a top priority for the force. Anyone who encourages child abuse by viewing or sharing paedophilic images or engages in explicit conversations involving children needs to prepare themselves for being caught and hauled before the courts."