Former Headteacher Arrested for Child Pornography

Gerry Heaton, a former headteacher of three West Berkshire primary schools, has been arrested and charged with possessing indecent images of children. The 57-year-old was a prominent figure in the education establishment, serving as an advisor to West Berkshire Council's Therapeutic Thinking Support Team (TTST) for vulnerable or troubled youngsters.

Heaton's arrest comes after a lengthy investigation, revealing that he had been hoarding indecent images of children at his home since 2012. The images, many of which were classified as Category A, the most extreme category, were discovered during a search of his residence.

Heaton's career in education spanned over two decades, including leadership roles at Hungerford Primary School, Inkpen Primary School, and Lambourn Primary School. He was also a specialist teacher at Theale Primary School and a school governor at Kintbury St Mary's Primary School.

He was considered an inspirational educator by many, also known for his involvement in amateur dramatics as a member of the Kintbury Players. However, his reputation has been shattered following the discovery of the indecent images.

Heaton has admitted to possessing 124 Category C images, 131 Category B images, and 66 Category A images. All the offenses were committed in Kintbury between January 21, 2012, and September 9, 2021.

He appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court and admitted to the charges. The court deemed the offenses serious enough to be sentenced by a judge at Reading Crown Court on a date to be determined. Heaton was released on unconditional bail while awaiting sentencing.

Heaton is no longer an advisor to the TTST, which provides support to young people struggling with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. All the schools mentioned above are state-maintained, except for Lambourn Primary School, which is managed by the Excalibur Academies Trust.

A spokesperson for West Berkshire Council stated that due to ongoing criminal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further.