Stephen Freeman
A SAILING coach and ex-biology teacher at a top private school has been arrested on suspicion of distributing indecent images of children.
Stephen Freedman, 52, taught biology for 23 years and helped lead the cadet force at Crosby’s Merchant Taylors’ Boys school until his retirement in 2008.
But, following his retirement, he continued to work with students at the school passing on his naval tips as a part-time sailing coach.
Last night, Merseyside police confirmed Freedman, from Crosby, was being investigated on suspicion of supplying indecent images of children.
He was arrested at the end of May and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Merchant Taylors’ described Mr Freedman as “an able” teacher.
And a spokeswoman for the fee- paying school confirmed he was suspended from his sailing coach duties following his arrest and had since resigned.
Mr Freedman, who has been decorated for his naval work in schools, also occasionally took activities at Liverpool College in Mossley Hill.
Detectives stressed the images at the centre of their investigations do not involve any former pupils or children in his care.
Liverpool College principal Hans Broekman said: “He no longer has any connection with Liverpool College.
“He was involved in a part- time volunteer capacity helping with activities last year.
“We can’t comment further as an investigation is ongoing.”
Mr Freedman declined to comment when we contacted him last night.
From 1991 to 2008, he ran the Royal Naval Section of the Combined Cadet Force at Merchant Taylors’.