A FORMER teacher, magistrate and school governor has been charged with possessing and distributing pornographic images of children.

Vincent Copeland, 60, from Leigh was arrested in November for having indecent pictures of children.

He was charged on Saturday and will has been bailed to appear at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 21.

Mr Copeland a former teacher at Thorpe Bay School – now Futures College – was also a school governor at both St Thomas More High School in Westcliff and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Leigh.

He was also a member of Southend Council’s children and lifelong learning scrutiny committee and had recently resigned as a magistrate.

John O’Loughlin, head of children’s services at Southend Council, said: “We can confirm that Vincent Copeland was a former member of a scrutiny committee as well as a school governor at St Thomas More High School and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School and a former teacher at Thorpe Bay High School (now Futures College), from which he retired in 2001.

“As soon as we received notice that allegations had been made against him, we put our well-rehearsed procedures into place and ensured that any ties he had with schools and children’s services were immediately suspended while the police conducted investigations. We are continuing to offer our full support and co-operation to Essex Police.”

Mr O’Loughlin added: “As this investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment further at this stage, as to do so could potentially prejudice and hamper any future prosecution that may be brought against him.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Police have charged a 60-year-old man from Leigh with the possession of indecent images of children. Vincent Copeland, of Leigh Road, was arrested on November 19, 2015 on suspicion of possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children.

"He was questioned by officers from Essex Police’s Online Investigation Team and released on bail, pending further enquiries. He reported back on Saturday, May 28 and was charged with three offences of possession.

He has been given conditional bail to appear at Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, June 21.”

A spokesman for the Essex courts and tribunals confirmed Mr Copeland resigned from the South Essex Magistrates’ Bench approximately one month ago.