The former deputy head of an Ashford primary school has pleaded guilty to possessing and making indecent images of children.

A letter was sent home informing parents of the 420 pupils at Ashford St Mary’s Church of England Primary School that Stephen Horn had appeared before magistrates in Canterbury.

The Ex-Simon Langton schoolboy has admitted 10 offences over a period of 13 years, involving indecent and extreme pornographic images.

The perverted teacher admitted downloading the child porn while he was employed at Littlebourne Primary School in Canterbury.

In her letter to parents, St Mary's head teacher Kate Harper, assured them police do not believe the images relate to pupils from the Western Avenue primary, or any other school in Ashford.

The head added that the offences “did not take place while Horn was at work”.

She also stated that all necessary checks had been performed prior to Horn’s appointment as deputy head.

Rumours that his arrest followed “wrongdoing” during a school camping trip were also dismissed.

In the letter, she added: “Upon Mr Horn’s arrest I was advised that it would be a criminal offence to put any information [...] into the public domain.

“I am now able to assure you that there was never any question of wrongdoing during the Year Four camping trip, the timing of the arrest being coincidental.”

One parent, who did not want to be named, said: “I feel sick that this man has been near my children. He used to stand at the gates in the morning smiling at people. It’s absolutely disgusting.”

Horn, 33, of The Street, Womenswold, near Canterbury, was arrested on May 23.

He was charged on September 12 with 10 offences, relating to the period January 1, 2000, to May 24, 2013.

They include four counts of possessing indecent images of children, five counts of making indecent images of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving an animal.

He was released on bail to appear before Canterbury Magistrates, where he admitted all charges against him.

Horn has been committed to Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing on November 29.

He is currently on conditional bail.

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