A PAEDOPHILE teacher was caught when his landlady discovered sickening images of children he had printed out and stashed in his room.

Former Belfairs Academy teacher Neil Gardner admitted four counts of possession of indecent images of children when he appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court.

The 57-year-old also admitted possessing five vile images of people performing sex acts with dogs and horses.

Barry Hargreaves, prosecuting, said the A-level teacher was discovered after his landlady started snooping in the mistaken belief he had moved out of his Westcliff lodgings in July without paying rent.

He said: “His landlady went into the room because she was owed some money. She found printed images there and police came in and seized a laptop that he had left there.”

On the laptop, police found ten of the most serious category A images, showing adults abusing young children.

There were also 30 category B images and 387 category C images of children. A fifth charge involved 34 prohibited images of children.

In fact, Gardner, who spent two years at the school teaching history, sociology and psychology after a career in pension management, had simply gone to Yorkshire for a job interview.

The court heard he has never taught children as young as those depicted in his perverted collection of images.

Gardner spoke only to confirm his name, his new address at the Salvation Army, in Leeds Road, Bradford, and to enter guilty pleas.

In his LinkedIn profile, Gardner describes himself as a “flexible, experienced pensions administrator” and lists Capita, BP and Aon as his former employers.

Bev Williams, CEO of Legra Academy Trust, said: “We are aware that a former member of staff, who was employed by Belfairs Academy, appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

“We have been fully co-operative throughout the police investigation into this matter.

“The safety and well-being of our students is of paramount importance. We have robust procedures in place to protect our students, which are rigorously monitored and reviewed on a continuous basis to maintain their effectiveness.

“Indeed, in a recent Ofsted inspection of Belfairs Academy, inspectors commented: ‘You have developed a culture where staff and pupils understand their safeguarding responsibilities, systems and policies. Clear records demonstrate how well staff are inducted and regularly updated on child protection and safeguarding requirements. Staff are able to explain how referrals to partner agencies work. The climate of care and responsibility is clear’.”

The hearing was adjourned for a pre-sentence report. Gardner will be sentenced at the court on March 14.