Education staff member admits possessing over 350 indecent images of children

Thursday 23 February 2023

The Education Minister has moved to reassure parents after Senior Education Department official, David Gerald Berry, pleaded guilty in the Magistrate's Court to making 357 indecent images of children.

Deputy Inna Gardiner said that the 60-year-old, who admitted possessing hundreds of indecent images of children, was subject to "enhanced" background checks and his crimes are "understood not to involve" Jersey children.

On Thursday, the court was told that the files, four of which were videos, had been classified as category C – the least severe classification.

Another charge, of possessing one category B indecent image, was dropped. 

Deputy Gardiner said: "I know that many parents and carers, the education community, students and islanders will be understandably shocked and upset to hear that a senior staff member within the Education Department has pleaded guilty to an offence involving indecent images of children. 

"While the offences are understood not to involve any children in Jersey or relate to the person’s job, it nonetheless had an impact on many and does not undermine the harm done to the innocent children in those images.

"Crimes of this nature are not tolerated in any community and the Department will continue to work with the appropriate agencies to ensure that our children remain safe and protected, which is our number one priority."

She added that once the allegations came to light, Berry was "immediately suspended while the department co-operated fully with the police investigations".

"I’d also like to reassure the public that we put significant safeguards in place for anyone who works in nurseries, schools and colleges," the minister added. "All staff working in education settings are required to undergo enhanced DBS checks before they begin work and are required to renew their DBS checks at least once every three years. This includes anyone in senior positions in the Department who visit lessons or speak with groups of students in the presence of another member of staff.

"I would like to thank all those who have been involved in this investigation. They have acted with dedication and commitment in the interests of protecting children and young people.

"While the Government cannot discuss employee matters, I can confirm that the department is in the process of terminating the individual’s contract.”

Berry, of no fixed abode, was represented by Advocate Sarah Dale, who stated that the defendant would rather be jailed for the offences than adhere to a community service order.

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris accepted jurisdiction and adjourned the case until 24 March to allow for a background report to be completed.

Berry was remanded in custody.