Charles Cornelius was sentenced today after pleading guilty to having self-made ‘paedophile manuals’ and ‘depraved’ AI images of childrenCharles Cornelius, 57, from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire(Image: NCA)

A paedophile teacher who stockpiled over 43,000 indecent images of children has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being arrested at Manchester Airport. The 57-year-old was found to have AI-generated abuse material and self-written paedophile manuals.

Charles Cornelius, from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, was sentenced to three and a half years following a National Crime Agency investigation. The former teacher pleaded guilty to all charges at Manchester Magistrates Court in September and was sentenced at Chester Crown Court today, December 11.

Officers from the NCA started looking into Cornelius after receiving information that an account linked to him had uploaded ten indecent images of children to the internet. Cornelius was permanently living and teaching in Thailand when he travelled back in June 2022 and uploaded the images to the internet.

NCA officers then arrested him at Manchester Airport on August 9, 2023 when he returned to the UK for possession, making and distribution of indecent images. He provided no comment at interview and was released on bail with conditions.

Magistrates denied an application to allow him to return to Thailand while the investigation was ongoing. Analysis of his devices discovered known and AI generated child sexual abuse material, as well as prompts used to create the AI images.

Two self-generated paedophile manuals were also discovered despite attempts to encrypt devices and conceal the material. Cornelius had previously taught young children in multiple countries. It is believed he took a course in teaching English to non-native speakers before working with the British Council Thailand from 2012 onwards.

Danielle Pownall, NCA operations manager, said: “Cornelius sought out and created images showing horrific abuse of children, including using AI to create further depraved imagery. His creation of paedophile manuals reflects a disturbing desire to prey on the most vulnerable in society. He did all this whilst putting himself in a position of trust around children.

“The NCA is committed to prosecuting criminals who engage in child sexual abuse activity and pursue justice for victims.”