TEACHER ON PORN CHARGE; Accused of making indecent images of young children Teacher's child porn charge.

Byline: NAOMI CORRIGAN

A TEACHER has appeared in court charged with making indecent images of young boys and girls.

Thomas William Copeland, who previously worked as a technology teacher at Gillbrook Academy in South Bank, faces 17 allegations of making or possessing indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. The 28-year-old, of Hazelmere Close in Billingham, made his first appearance at Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday. Helen Cox, prosecuting, said there were 47 indecent images of "varying levels" found on Copeland's computer. They were allegedly made between July 2007 and 2011. Indecent images are graded on a five-point scale with five being the most extreme. Some of the images found on Copeland's computer were at level four, she said. Pony-tailed Copeland, who was wearing a shirt and tie, did not enter a plea to the charges in court. The case was adjourned until October 2 when he is due to appear again. He was bailed, with a condition that he must not have unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.

CAPTION(S):

AT COURT: Teacher Thomas Copeland, right Picture by MILLIE BELL