Durban drama teacher found guilty on child porn charges
A Durban high school drama teacher accused of being of the possession of child pornography has been sentenced to three years imprisonment.
Colin Chapman was charged with 230 counts relating to the creation and possession of child pornography as well as the grooming and exploiting of children for the production of child pornography.
The 50-year-old who was employed at a prominent Durban boys high school pleaded guilty in the Durban Regional Court this afternoon.
The court has heard how Chapman began chatting to two students from the school via blackberry messenger service, going so far as to pay them hundreds of rand for pictures of their genitals.
In addition to his three-year sentence, he has also received a fine of R100 000 which must be donated to the Open Door Crisis Care Centre in Pinetown by next Wednesday.
Natasha Ramkisoon-Kara of the National Prosecuting Authority says they welcome the sentence.
"The National Prosecuting Authority in KZN hopes that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to like-minded individuals. Furthermore, this sentence is an indication of our commitment to protecting the children in the country," she said.
The court has further ordered that Chapman be entered into the sexual offenders register.
He has also been ordered to attend the sexual offenders programme run by the Department of Correctional Services.
(File photo)