In 2018, the Offender Database confirmed that Kevin Heywood, 52, of Barrington Street, Tiverton, Devon, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court after being found with extreme child abuse material while working at a school. Heywood was traced by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and arrested at the prestigious Blundell’s School, where he was employed as a storeman. Investigators discovered 177 images of child sexual abuse on two laptops, depicting victims ranging in age from just 1 to 13 years old.
The court heard that the material included “disgusting” depictions of children being raped and tortured, indicating that Heywood had actively searched the internet for the most extreme forms of abuse. Recorder Philip Mott QC highlighted the severe suffering of the young girls featured in the images, noting that such crimes are far from victimless. Following his arrest, Heywood was summarily sacked from his position at the co-educational boarding and day school.
Heywood was sentenced to six months in prison, with the sentence suspended for two years, meaning he avoided immediate custody provided he adhered to strict court conditions. He was also ordered to complete a specialised sex offenders’ treatment programme. Despite the suspended sentence, the court imposed a lifetime ban, legally prohibiting him from ever working with children again.
As a result of his conviction for making indecent images of children, Heywood was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which restricts his digital activities and contact with minors. These official monitoring requirements allow Devon and Cornwall Police to track his residency and enforce prohibitions, providing a legal mechanism to return him to court should he breach any terms of his order.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.