Perverted Headteacher Used AI to Generate Indecent Images of Children

A perverted headteacher used artificial intelligence to generate indecent images of children.

Dean Juric, 54, of North Tyneside, admitted the following when he appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Friday, 21st November 2025:

• One offence of distribution of an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child;
• Three offences of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child.

Making an indecent photograph of a child, which is the most serious of the two, is an offence under section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978. It is an either way offence with a maximum sentence of 10 years' custody on conviction on indictment, 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.

Juric, who was previously the headteacher of St Robert of Newminster Catholic School in Washington, was suspended from the role in a shroud of secrecy in mid-January 2025. St Robert's is an 11-18 mixed comprehensive school with around 1,600 students on roll.

The 54-year-old was snared by an undercover police officer posing as the grandfather of a 7-year-old girl. He sent the undercover officer still and video images, including several featuring penetrative sexual activity involving children (Category A). The children shown on the images were estimated as being aged between 12 and 15-years-old.

Juric was arrested on 17th January 2025. A search of his devices yielded 380 indecent images of children, of which 31 were Category A.

Magistrates were of the view that their sentencing powers were insufficient, so sent the case to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing on Monday, 22nd December 2025.

Juric was granted unconditional bail until then.

A spokesperson for the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, which manages St Robert's, said: "In January 2025, Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust was informed by the police that a headteacher from a Trust school was subject to a police investigation.

"The Trust took immediate action by suspending the headteacher and appointing an executive headteacher to support the school's leadership.

"We understand that the allegations do not relate to any school or individual in Bishop Wilkinson Trust. The Trust no longer employs the headteacher."