Paul Brown 54

Description

A former headteacher has been indefinitely barred from teaching after discussing the sexual abuse of children on a fetish website.

Paul Brown, 54, was headteacher and designated safeguarding lead at Bransgore Church of England Primary School when an undercover police officer uncovered his actions.

A Teaching Regulation Agency report reveals that between July 4 and July 12, 2023, Mr. Brown used a BDSM website—including during school hours—for inappropriate conversations about child abuse.

He was arrested on July 18, 2023, and suspended. By December 8, 2023, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police ended the investigation with no further action.

In an internal probe, Mr. Brown admitted using the site in his car during work hours but off school grounds, unaware he was speaking to an undercover officer.

The woman claimed to sexually abuse her daughters, aged five and nine. Mr. Brown allegedly shared a past relationship involving similar abuse, saying he was sexually involved with the woman and children—but later clarified it was a fantasy, not true.

They discussed introducing him to the children, with him suggesting she teach the girls to French kiss beforehand. He eventually said "he was not the right person for her" and blocked the account.

He told police he believed it was all fantasy and the children didn't exist, but blocked her after hearing children during a phone call.

Mr. Brown apologized, calling it a one-off incident amid mental struggles, citing a "dark morbid and intense fascination" with such abuse due to his childhood experiences. He has since undergone counseling for his mental health issues.

The misconduct panel noted that, in his safeguarding role, he should have reported the account to police and remains "extremely concerned that Mr Brown’s actions could be repeated."

Mr. Brown had been headteacher since September 2013. He received an indefinite prohibition order with no review period.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police spokesperson said: “Following notification of messages of a concerning nature online, we arrested a 54-year-old from Ringwood on suspicion of attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence.

“As part of the arrest, a number of electronic devices were seized and examined.

“No indecent images or evidence of criminal activity was found on those devices.

“After consulting with the CPS, no further action was taken in this matter.”