Delay in school indecent images case 'inexcusable'
- Published
It is alleged that the indecent images feature pupils who have attended the school
A primary school worker accused 18 months ago of possessing indecent images of children - including pupils - has yet to be told whether they will be charged, the BBC has learned.
Former director of public prosecutions Lord Ken Macdonald has called the delay "completely inexcusable".
Buckinghamshire Council suspended but did not sack the suspect, continuing to pay them thousands of pounds in salary.
Thames Valley Police said officers faced a "complex" investigation.
The BBC learned that a staff member at a primary school in Buckinghamshire was arrested in January 2022 - and accused of possessing indecent images of children.
It is alleged these include category A images - the most serious - and also feature pupils who have attended the school.
The BBC understands that some alleged victims have been identified. Parents of children who may be affected have been contacted by the police.
The case has been awaiting a charging decision for more than 18 months.
'Exceptionally serious'
Lord Macdonald said the vulnerability of potential victims meant such a case should be prioritised.
"I cannot conceive of any good reason why an investigation of this sort should take 18 months," he said. "For the families, this is simply aggravating. How are they expected to get on with their lives while this is hanging over them?"
The BBC understands that the suspect has continued to live in the community since their arrest - and has not been sacked by the school.
This means they will have received thousands of pounds in salary.
The school declined to respond. Meanwhile, Buckinghamshire Council said it had treated the allegations appropriately.
A spokeswoman said: "Clearly allegations like this are exceptionally serious and processes are in place whereby individuals who are subject to such significant allegations are suspended from their post immediately whilst these are investigated.
"This individual is subject to a live criminal investigation which is being managed by the police and Crown Prosecution Service. The final employment actions and outcome will be determined at appropriate points of the criminal investigation."
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "This was a complex inquiry and an extremely thorough investigation was conducted."
The force said the suspect had been released on police bail with conditions.
The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that it received a full file of evidence from Thames Valley Police in relation to the case on 1 August this year. It says that it is now considering a charging decision "in line with our legal test".
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