News / Crime
Primary school headteacher jailed
A headteacher from Filton who used a spy pen to film pupils and adults in toilets at The Tynings Primary School in Staple Hill has been jailed for two years and eight months after admitting six counts of voyeurism and three counts of making indecent images of children.
Sentenced at Bristol Crown Court, a judge described the behaviour of Ashley Yates, 45, whose sexual interest was adults urinating, as “devious” and as a significant breach of trust.
The offences relate to seven girls, two boys and six adults and came to light after a child found a pen with a secret recording device inside a disabled toilet at the school and handed it in to a caretaker.
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Detective Inspector Louise Boyce of Avon and Somerset Police said: “Yates totally abused his position of trust to feed his own personal desires.
“He set up the recording device in a toilet knowing that both children and adults would be using the facilities.
“I have no doubt that Yates’ crimes will have a lasting impact on his victims and their parents. All have received specialised support and will continue to do so as long as they require it.”
An NSPCC spokesman for South West England said: “This was a truly shocking case in which Yates completely and inexplicably abused his position of trust as head teacher of a primary school.
“His appalling offences were a form of child abuse, carried out for his own sexual gratification and have understandably send shockwaves throughout the community. It is right that he has been brought to justice.
“We hope all the children affected by these crimes receive the help and support as necessary. Abuse can ruin childhoods and have a lasting impact into later life.”
Any adult with concerns for the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children can call ChildLine on 0800 1111.
Read more: ‘Grooming’ ignored at Clifton College years before arrest
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