PARENTS have been reassured that indecent pictures found on a teacher’s computer were not connected with the school.

Matthew Harris, an IT teacher at Caldicot School, was convicted last week of possessing indecent images.

The 35-year-old, who lives in Pontypool, remains suspended while further investigations take place.

A spokeswoman for Monmouthshire County Council said: “A member of staff of Caldicot School was sentenced today (Friday) at Newport Crown Court.

“The case has been fully investigated and is being dealt with on a multi-agency basis under the All Wales child protection procedures.

“The member of staff has been suspended and formal disciplinary process will now commence.

“It is understandable that there will be anxieties within the school community.

“However, the police investigation showed no evidence that any offending was linked to the school in any way.”

Harris had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to possessing indecent images, including videos and photographs. He did not distribute the images.

He received a three-year community order which will provide treatment for registered sex offenders and was ordered to pay costs of £425 and an £85 victim surcharge.

Harris will remain on the sex offenders’ register for at least five years.