A SCHOOLTEACHER has admitted possessing a catalogue of indecent images of children, as well as having “extreme pornography involving animals”.

Austin Betts, who taught at Woodlands School in Basildon, will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court next week after pleading guilty to a host of offences.

The 32-year-old, of Mendip Crescent, Westcliff, admitted three charges of making indecent images of children, two charges of distributing indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography involving animals at a magistrates court appearance in May.

School bosses wrote to parents yesterday confirming that he had admitted the offences, as well as insisting that checks were carried out prior to his employment and they had co-operated with the police investigation.

The headteacher added that Brett has not been on the school site since July 2021.

It is believed he was suspended when the school was made aware of the allegations against him, although school leaders refused to provide any additional detail.

In a letter to parents headteacher David Wright said: “We can confirm that Austin Betts, a former teacher, has pleaded guilty to making and the distribution of indecent images.

“We want to assure the school community that we carried out all the required safeguarding checks before his employment and have cooperated fully with the police investigation. He has not been on the school site since July 2021.

“While the school’s leadership team are very shocked by this news, there is absolutely no suggestion that any of the crimes relate to students or staff at the school. If any members of the school community are affected by these events we would, of course, facilitate any support needed.”

Brett will be sentenced on Monday at Basildon Crown Court after admitting the charges at Basildon Magistrates Court on May 24.