THE headmaster of a Bournemouth school has told of a “deep anger and betrayal” after a teacher admitted child and animal porn offences.

Simon Clannachan, 40, of Richmond Park Avenue, pleaded guilty to 21 counts relating to making indecent images of children and possession of extreme animal pornography yesterday at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The former Kingsleigh Primary School teacher, who was suspended immediately by the school and handed in his resignation on June 13, clasped his hands in front of him and rocked on his heels in agitation as he admitted the charges.

Seven of the offences relate to extreme pornographic images involving animals, and the rest to making indecent images of children, with the charges relating to 236 images of varying levels of severity.

Head of Kingsleigh Richard Gowar said staff were pleased Clannachan had pleaded guilty to “these heinous crimes”.

“This has been a very difficult time for all those involved, not just our staff, many of whom have felt a deep sense of anger and betrayal that one of our profession could engage in such activities, but for everyone in our school community,” he said.

“It has not been easy for any of us to say the least and support remains in place for those in need.”

He praised “supportive” parents, and added: “I wish to make it clear that had he not resigned we would have brought dismissal proceedings against him.

“The school checks and vets all staff thoroughly and has robust safeguarding procedures in place to ensure children in its care are not at risk.

“Mr Clannachan was also subject to those checks but he had no previous record against him.

“He most certainly does now.”

Jane Portman, executive director for children and adults at Bournemouth council, said: “The last few weeks have been extremely challenging for all those involved, particularly for the headteacher and his staff trying to get on with their day jobs at a time when many of them felt deeply shocked at events as they emerged.

“It is a credit to them all that they were able to maintain their professionalism throughout and continue to focus on the children’s education.”

She said all of the necessary background checks were carried out when Clannachan was appointed.

Clannachan will be sentenced on July 26 at the same court.

He faces a number of bail conditions, including not to return to Kingsleigh Primary School without prior appointment, not to visit Richmond Park Road and not to have any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18.