A FORMER teacher released from prison after "bullying and manipulating" children into sending him indecent images of themselves is set to be hauled before a judge for allegedly breaching the terms of his licence.

Nicholas Taylor, 33, was jailed for six years after admitting his involvement in the distribution of indecent photographs of children.

Between October 2014 and October 2015, while working at a primary school in Hertfordshire, he made contact with a number of children through a chat group on Instagram.

Using an alias, he befriended them initially, before bullying and manipulating them into sending him indecent images of themselves.

The children were aged between 10 and 15 at the time of the offences and attended the same school or were involved in a Girl Guiding group in London.

Officers identified the children involved and contacted each victim and their family directly to investigate Taylor and provide support.

The investigation revealed no evidence of offences relating to direct physical contact with children.

Taylor admitted six counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of making indecent photographs of a child, and one count of distributing indecent photographs of a child.

He was given a six-year custodial sentence by a judge sitting at St Albans Magistrates’ Court in 2017.

Detective Inspector Chris Treadwell, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “This was a long and complex investigation which involved the examination of more than 30 different phones, computers and other devices owned by Nicholas Taylor.

“Taylor went online to contact children for his own sexual gratification.

“Using a false identity he bullied and manipulated them into sending him images with despicable threats and intimidation. He also deceived his colleagues and fellow volunteers.”

The offender, formerly of Barnet, now of Rhino Drive, Stanway, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on February 4.

He did not enter pleas to three allegations he breached a sexual harm prevention order monitoring his use of electronic devices.

He also faces an allegation he failed to notify police of an alias he used.

Taylor was remanded in custody until a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on March 3.