An employee at a Swindon college has been charged with child sex offences.

Christopher Taylor was working in a non-teaching role in the marketing department at New College Swindon when he appeared in court earlier this year charged with seven sex crimes - which he denies.

The alleged offences took place between 2009 and 2020 and included four counts of making indecent images of children, two counts of possessing such images and one count of voyeurism.

It is alleged he had nine Category A images and three Category B images as well as making eight Category A images, three Category B images, and 30 Category C images.

The prosecution claims he recorded a woman doing a private act without consent on at least five occasions between March 2009 and December 2010.

(Image: Newsquest)

Taylor pleaded not guilty to all counts in March 2024 at Oxford Crown Court.

Social services told the school about the allegations on September 19 and the next day Taylor had his school access removed for not disclosing the allegations as required.

Taylor, 31, of Tuckers Road, Faringdon, resigned that weekend and an investigation by the college is ongoing.

A New College Swindon spokesperson said: “‘We were recently notified of concerns by the local authority relating to a College staff member, who works within a non-teaching position. 

“As soon as we were made aware of these concerns, we discussed the matter with the individual and launched an internal investigation. 

“It was decided that they would not have access to the College sites or to the College network, until this investigation is concluded.

“The employee has since resigned from the College but the College will conclude the investigation in line with its disciplinary policy.”

New College teaches students from ages 16 to adult and has two campuses across the town.

Potential college staff members are DBS checked before being hired. Existing staff are also obliged to self-declare new criminal allegations - failing to do so would be a breach of contract.

As well as this, a council local authority designated officer (LADO) is also responsible for flagging up allegations against adults who work with children with employers.

This includes police investigations of possible criminal offences which raise concerns about a person’s suitability to work with children. 

It is understood New College Swindon was not informed by LADO at the time the allegations were made nor did Taylor self-declare the allegations to the school.

Wiltshire Police and Thames Valley Police would not comment on ongoing court proceedings.

Taylor is due for trial in Oxford Crown Court on February 17, 2025.

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