Schoolteacher Admits Possessing Child Abuse Images and Extreme Pornography

Austin Betts, a former teacher at Woodlands School in Basildon, has pleaded guilty to a series of offenses involving indecent images of children and extreme pornography.

The 32-year-old, of Mendip Crescent, Westcliff, admitted three charges of making indecent images of children, two charges of distributing indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography involving animals at a magistrates court appearance in May.

School officials have confirmed Betts' guilty pleas and assured parents that thorough safeguarding checks were conducted prior to his employment. They have also emphasized full cooperation with the police investigation.

Headteacher David Wright, in a letter to parents, stated that Betts has not been on school grounds since July 2021. While acknowledging shock at the news, the school leadership team has emphasized that there is no suggestion that any of the crimes relate to students or staff at the school.

Betts will be sentenced on Monday at Basildon Crown Court. The school has offered support to any members of the school community affected by these events.