Backwell primary school teacher admits being part of paedophile chat room
Wayne Brookes (Picture: National Crime Agency) - Credit: National Crime Agency
A North Somerset primary school teacher has admitted using a chat room which showed horrific live footage of a six-year-old boy being raped.
Wayne Brookes, who taught in a primary school in Backwell, has pleaded guilty to four charges relating to indecent images of children following his participation in an online chat room where paedophiles shared the footage.
Brookes, aged 43 and of Arundell Road in Weston, had worked at West Leigh Infants School.
A North Somerset Council spokesman said: “As soon as the school became aware of Brookes’ arrest and the allegations involved, he was suspended.
“He has subsequently been dismissed and will not be in a position to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
“There has been no evidence anyone connected with the school community has any involvement in the activities he’s been charged with and pleaded guilty to.”
Brookes is one of four men who pleaded guilty to charges following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
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The first of these men – 44-year-old Darren Williams from Newport – has been jailed for encouraging the rape of a six-year-old boy and assisting in showing indecent images of children.
The rapist, William Chandler Augusta from Pennsylvania in the United States, has been sentenced for a range of offences and faces 30 years in jail.
His victim has been identified by US police officers and protective measures have been taken.
The council spokesman added: “We have been supporting the school and the wider school community with meetings held in school for parents to voice any concerns they may have.”
Colin Radcliffe, operations manager at the NCA’s child exploitation and online protection command, said: “These men thought they’d found a corner of the internet where they could avoid the consequences of participating in abuse.
“They were wrong and others like them should know NCA officers have skills and tools which mean no-one seeking to harm children is safe from the law.
“Protecting children is an integral part of the NCA’s mission and our officers are dedicated to ensuring people like these are brought to justice.”
Brookes will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on August 1.
