Taranaki teacher admits trying to send sexually explicit images and videos to teenagers

According to the police statement of facts, the crime occurred several times between July 2022 and July 2024 via the social media app Snapchat.

The man had posted his Snapchat username on a website designed to connect with others about online sexual behavior.

After befriending a person, the man had a general conversation with the unknown user, in which he also revealed his name, age and other details about himself.

“A few times” he had conversations with people who said they were under 16 years old. These included boys who told him they were 14 and 15 years old.

Even though the man believed they were that age, he continued to have sexually explicit conversations and send pictures of his genitals and videos of himself masturbating.

He received similar content from the recipients of his images.

The man’s crime came to light when he unwittingly communicated and shared images with a former student who recognized him.

He was charged after reporting his actions to police.

According to the teaching council, the man has agreed not to teach.

In court, defense lawyer Kylie Pascoe said the man, who has not yet appeared in court, would apply for permanent name suppression when sentencing.

Judge Gregory Hikaka agreed with the man’s guilty plea and ordered a pre-sentence report.

He will be sentenced on February 5th.

Tara Shaskey joined NZME in 2022 as news director and open justice reporter. She has been a reporter since 2014 and previously worked at Stuff covering crime and justice, arts and entertainment and Māori issues.