Officials decide on the fate of porn head

Governors of Holy Trinity Primary School at Cuckfield have been under pressure to sack the 46-year-old father of two from his post since his conviction for downloading gay child porn last week. They decided Mr Shepherd's fate last night at a meeting at the school.

Refused

But they have refused to confirm any decision until Mr Shepherd is officially informed. Mr Shepherd was not at his home in Whitemans Green in Cuckfield after last night's meeting for any result to be given to him. He was not answering calls at his home this morning.

Mr Shepherd is understood to have left the area temporarily but has to return

and answer bail for sentencing at court next month. No conditions were attached to the bail, which means Mr Shepherd is free to leave his home address.

Former chairman of the governors John Gilley reported to the governors meeting after attending the final day of Shepherd's trial at Haywards Heath Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Mr Gilley, from Ansty, near Cuckfield, said this morning: "We came to a decision, but because Mr Shepherd is not at his home address we are not going to

comment on that until he is made aware of the result. He must be told first."

Parents have been waiting for a decision ever since Shepherd was convicted on Friday of down-loading sickening gay child pornography from the Internet at the school.

Future

The school is Church of England aided and responsibility for Mr Shepherd's future rested with the Church of England approved governors. Mr Shepherd's conviction will mean no school is likely to consider him for employment.

The Governors met at a closed-doors session at the school off Glebe Road, Cuckfield, last night. Shepherd also faces the possibility of being sent to prison when he appears again at Mid Sussex Magistrates' Court at Haywards Heath on March 14 for sentence.

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