CHANTAL ABITBOL

A FORMER Emanuel School teacher, who pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and accessing child pornography last year, has been sentenced to three years in jail, to be released on his own recognisance after serving 18 months.

Paul Benjamin, 41, from Paddington, was arrested last December.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a prohibited drug (marijuana) and one count of possessing a prohibited weapon (mace).

In Downing Centre District Court on December 22, Judge Rodney Madgwick said: “I believe the prisoner’s expression of contrition to be genuine and accompanied by a degree of honesty. There is no doubt that … [Benjamin] has attempted to face the enormity of his conduct and tried to take steps to see his rehabilitation.”

He added that Benjamin showed “good prospects of rehabilitation”.