Music tutor had 3,500 child sex images

Iain Reddy, 44, taught music at Blackburn College and was so well thought of that people mounted a “Get Iain Reddy Knighted” campaign on Facebook.

Today his reputation lies in tatters after it emerged he was one of more than 80 men in Lancashire arrested as part of a global operation tackling paedophiles.

Preston Crown Court heard a raid was carried out at his home on Fermor Road, Preston on April 13 last year in which around 3,500 indecent images and video clips of children were recovered from his computer.

Judge Stuart Baker suspended his six-month sentence for two years but barred him from working with children, and imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order limiting the way he uses the internet.

Reddy had played in several bands including a wedding group and had worked as a session musician. It is understood he had also taught at schools in the Chester area, and gave private tuition.

Fellow musician Tony Thorpe, a former Rubette, told the Evening Post of his shock.

He said: “I’m broken hearted really, I never suspected anything like this. I haven’t heard from him nor have the former students for around two years, and we were bewildered.

“We were very friendly and did gigs together. He was a terrific player.

“I don’t understand what he’s done and why.

“It has been immensely painful for all of us. We are shocked and choked by what’s happened.

“I’m not supportive of what he has done, but at the same time am worried about him. I have no idea what makes anyone do this.”

Reddy admitted offences dating between August 2011 and April 2014 including possessing 3,500 images of children, and three counts of making indecent images, 18 of the most serious in law.

He must take part in the internet sex offender programme and have two years supervision. His computer was forfeited.

A spokesman for Blackburn College said: “The college was made aware of the arrest of Mr Ian Reddy, a part-time music lecturer, by the Local Authority Designated Officer on Monday April 13, 2015 and he was immediately suspended. He was then dismissed following an investigation on October 30, 2015.

“The safeguarding of students is a top priority at Blackburn College and we expect all our staff to act with the highest level of professionalism at all times. We co-operated with the relevant agencies to achieve the swiftest outcome with no impact to our students.”