Child pics allegation: teacher says computers not secure

A TEACHER arrested on suspicion of downloading indecent images of children has denied the allegations.

And Nigel Hooley claims there have been a number of incidents when computers have not been secure at South Chadderton School where he is head of maths.

The 32-year-old was suspended after the images were found on a laptop at the Butterworth Lane school on June 17.

They are believed to have been downloaded from the internet and there is no suggestion they feature pupils from the school.

Mr Hooley is also a Conservative councillor in Trafford.

His solicitor Michelle Stewart, from Manchester law firm Cuttle & Co, said: “We can confirm that the information technology department discovered some images which were held on the school computer server. Mr Hooley then attended the police station by prior appointment and was interviewed under caution.

“Mr Hooley strenuously denied the allegations and co-operated fully with the police investigation. He has given full details of a number of incidents at the school, when computers have not been secure and we understand that there has now been a review of the computer security at the school in question.

“We understand that Greater Manchester Police now has a number of avenues of investigation to pursue, including a thorough analysis of computer equipment in order to verify the source of the images. Mr Hooley is adamant that the investigation will completely exonerate him from these allegations.”

The Oldham Chronicle has been unable to contact South Chadderton School for a comment. Mr Hooley has been bailed until August 7.