Llanelli School Network Manager sentenced to 14 months in prison for making indecent photographs of children

40-year-old Matthew Bateman from Kidwelly appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Jul 25) facing six charges including making indecent photographs of children

Bateman who worked at Stradey school in Llanelli as a Network Manager was given a 14 month prison sentence and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for ten years. He also has to register on the sex offenders list.

Cllr. Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language said “An employee was suspended from his work by Carmarthenshire County Council once the school and the Local Authority were first made aware of the allegations made against him.

Carmarthenshire County Council has been supporting the school whilst police investigations have been ongoing.

‘The Local Authority and the school have been reassured by the police that there is no evidence that any of the offences that the individual has been charged with are related to his work at the school and I want to reassure parents and governors that there are no safeguarding concerns in relation to any pupils or other members of staff in connection with this investigation.

“Following the outcome of the court hearing and the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, the matter was referred back to the governing body in order for it to complete its internal processes, in line with the school’s policies, and the individual’s contract of employment with the Council has now ended.”