A MAN who set up a spy camera in the toilets of a primary school has been jailed for five years.

And a court was told Timothy Lester Walters, of Brighouse, had stockpiled more than 26,000 child images on a computer.

Judge Scott Wolstenholme yesterday sentenced Walters at Leeds Crown Court.

Walters, formerly of Horsley Fold, Brighouse, had set up a camera in the girls' toilets at a north Kirklees primary school where he was an IT consultant.

The camera was found in a ceiling in March this year and police began an investigation.

They found more than 26,000 indecent images of children stored on his computer.

After the case, West Yorkshire Police and Kirklees Council released a joint statement.

They said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the court proceedings, which followed a thorough and successful investigation. This has been a difficult time for many people, but it is clear that swift action was taken as soon as issues concerning Timothy Walters came to light.

“Police forensic examinations were conducted overnight at the school to minimise any disruption and Walters was quickly identified and arrested.

“At no time did Timothy Walters have unsupervised contact with pupils.

“This was also a highly unusual case, but the crimes were serious and the actions of Timothy Walters were upsetting for the whole school community.

“Staff, pupils, parents and governors deserve great credit for the way they have carried on with business as usual, ensuring minimal disruption to school life. We will continue to support them where needed.”

The judge told Walters: “The aggravating features of this case are the breach of trust, invasion of privacy, its persistence and the emotional harm caused.”