Sex crime former-headteacher jailed

A former head teacher who contacted young girls on Facebook and tricked them into taking their clothes off on webcams has been jailed.

David Warbrick, aged 51, formerly of Lightcliffe was sentenced to 28 months in jail on Monday.

He was also hit with a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years and will be on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.

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Warbrick, headteacher at Gomersal Primary School in Cleckheaton until 2015, pleaded guilty two accounts of inciting a female under the age of 13 to engage in a sexual act at Derby Crown Court last month.

He made contact with the girls via Facebook and later invited them to have a webcam chat, where he asked them to take their clothes off.

Detective Constable Russell Slater, who investigated Warbrick’s crimes, said: “Reports to police were made in 2013 when Warbrick contacted two 11-year-olds via Facebook.

Det Cons Slater said: “He chatted with the girls and built a conversation with them before asking them to chat with him via a webcam.

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“The conversation led to him asking them to remove their clothes.

“It is essential to ensure you are safe when using social media.

“I would like to remind young people that the age restriction for creating a profile on Facebook is 13-years-old.

“I advise that you do not accept friend requests from people you do not know.

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“And for parents, I encourage you to take an active role in understanding what your child is doing online.”

Warbrick was head teacher at All Saints Junior and Infants School in Halifax until 2010.

He later worked at Gomersal Primary School, but was suspended as headteacher there following his arrest in 2015.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Warbrick’s sickening abuse is made all the more shocking by the fact he was a teacher.

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“He held a position of respect and authority, working with young children every day, but in private was using 11-year-old girls to satisfy his sexual desires.

“This case highlights how predators from all walks of life are using the internet to target vulnerable children.

“It is vital young people are educated about the dangers of social media, and the police have the resources to tackle this growing crime.

“If anyone is concerned about a child they can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.”