Leeds Crown Court: Former teacher jailed for indecent images of children offences
“We understand that this sentencing may cause some concern, particularly for parents of pupils at schools where Whitaker taught”
A former teacher has been jailed after admitting a number of indecent images of children offences.
Richard Whitaker, of no fixed abode, was given a two year custodial sentence at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday. (May 19)
The 54-year-old was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender registration requirements for 10 years.
Whitaker had previously admitted taking 40 Category C images which he received 16 months of his two-year sentence for.
He also admitted making (downloading) 19 of the most serious indecent images of children - Category A - as well as making 12 Category B images and 74 Category C images. He admitted a further charge in relation to distributing Category C images.
Whitaker had most recently been working at a school in Leeds but had left the teaching profession a week before he was arrested in July 2024.
Detective Constable Andrew Williamson, of Wakefield Child Safeguarding Team, who investigated the offences, said: “We understand that this sentencing may cause some concern, particularly for parents of pupils at schools where Whitaker taught.
“The majority of Whitaker's offending relates to him downloading images made by others. He did admit taking a number of Category C images of a child and that child’s family are already fully aware of this investigation.
“Should anyone have any information about any other potential offences then I would urge them to come forward to report it.”