A Sunderland school has moved to offer therapy and support to pupils and families after its former headteacher admitted making indecent AI-generated images of children.
Dean Juric, 54, was head at St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College when he was arrested in January, after his online activity was flagged by Northumbria Police. He pleaded guilty last week to three counts of making pseudo-indecent images of children and one count of distributing an indecent image. He will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on December 22.
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust said Juric was suspended “immediately” once the investigation came to light and no longer works for the school or Trust. Pupils were informed in an assembly led by the new headteacher.
While there is no suggestion the images involved or resembled any pupils, the Trust confirmed that therapy sessions and additional support are now being offered to any children or families who feel affected.
A spokesperson said the news may be “deeply unsettling” and stressed that the school’s priority is the wellbeing and education of its pupils.