Clitheroe deputy head admits possessing indecent images
A deputy headteacher at a Lancashire grammar school has admitted eight charges of possessing indecent images of children.
Ian Lawson, 49, who taught at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School was sentenced to a three-year community supervision order at Preston Crown Court.
Lawson of Barnacre Close, Longridge was ordered to pay £1,500 costs and sign the Sex Offenders Register for 5 years.
He was suspended from his teaching post in March 2010.
Police said none of the images of children involved pupils at the school.
Lancashire County Council said Lawson who had taught at the school since 2007, had undergone an enhanced criminal records bureau check (CRB) before he took up his post.
A spokesperson for Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, said: "Mr Lawson will not be returning to our school."
Det Con Carol Ragen said: "Ian Lawson was in a position of trust and today he has paid the penalty for abusing that trust."
Det Insp Claire Holbrook added: "It is very concerning that each of the images downloaded by Lawson represents the physical abuse of a child somewhere in the world and anyone who views, downloads or sends such images indirectly funds and encourages child abuse worldwide."