A former teacher from Bushey has been jailed for more than 10 years after being found with more than 1,600 child abuse images.
Matthew O’Kelly, 43, of Walton Road in Bushey, was sentenced on Monday 14 September after being convicted of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence.
The offences took place online.
More than 1,600 images found
O’Kelly had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images or videos of children, three counts of distributing indecent images or videos of children and one count of possessing extreme pornography.
He was arrested in November 2025 following an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Online Safeguarding Team, known as COST.
The investigation began after a referral from another online investigation team.
A search of O’Kelly’s devices uncovered 806 Category A images, which depict the most serious level of abuse against children.
Police also found 390 Category B images, 444 Category C images and 43 images showing extreme pornography.
School co-operated with investigation
Police said O’Kelly’s employers fully co-operated with officers throughout the investigation.
There is no evidence to suggest that any of his pupils were affected.
O’Kelly was sentenced to a total of 10 years and six months in prison.
He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will remain in place for 20 years.
Police say he was ‘brought to justice’
Detective Constable Tilly Parker, from COST, said: “I am pleased that O’Kelly has been caught and brought to justice, given he was in a position of trust as a schoolteacher.
“The possession of indecent images of children is not a victimless crime. Each image represents the abuse of a child and has a real-world impact.
“O’Kelly was also found to have been messaging adults using explicit and predatory language, but little did he know some of these were decoy accounts. There is no doubt the world is a safer place for children now that he is behind bars.
“I would also like to thank the school for their support throughout the investigation and for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their pupils during what was a distressing time.”
Support available
Police also urged anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward.
Detective Constable Parker added: “Being a victim of a sexual offence is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation.
“The constabulary also has LGBTQ+ liaison officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
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