Juan Torrecillas Molina, the Wirral Peadophile, a former educator at a renowned institution confessed to law enforcement that he discovered inappropriate photographs of minors while downloading music, as reported by a teacher misconduct panel. Juan Torrecillas Molina admitted to the crimes last year.
Following a hearing on June 16, the misconduct panel will advise Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson on whether Mr. Molina should be prohibited from teaching. He formerly served as an educator at St Anselm’s College, a prestigious institution in Prenton, Wirral, Merseyside.
The panel was informed that Mr. Juan Torrecillas Molina entered a guilty plea to multiple charges during a hearing at Wirral Magistrates Court on February 27, 2024. The matter was subsequently forwarded to Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing, with an additional hearing set for March 26, 2024.
The misconduct panel was informed that Mr. Juan Torrecillas Molina pleaded guilty and was convicted of holding three Category B, three Category C, and 36 Category A indecent photographs or computer-generated images of minors, in addition to owning 42 indecent images of children. The panel was informed that he received a suspended prison term totalling 20 months, along with requirements for unpaid work, rehabilitation, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
Mr. Juan Torrecillas Molina was absent at the hearing; nevertheless, it was verified that correspondence had been dispatched to his address, and an email reply was obtained. James Lloyd, representing the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), said the panel that Mr. Molina has stated he no longer teaches, is prohibited from interacting with children, and has no intention of returning to the profession, according to the Liverpool Echo.
After Merseyside Police executed a search warrant of Mr Juan Torrecillas Molina’s address, police found he was not at home as he was teaching at school at the time. Police then attended St Anselm’s and told Mr Juan Torrecillas Molina someone had been accessing indecent images of children over the internet at his house.
According to Mr Lloyd, Mr Juan Torrecillas Molina told police he “was downloading music” and that he was “shocked” when he saw the images. The solicitor told the panel a hard drive on the home computer was later found by police, adding: “This is dangerous conduct which gives rise to an ongoing and pressing safeguarding risk.”
Arguing the case for a prohibition order, he said: “The public interest in this case is pressing. Safety of pupils and young people is paramount. That is a stark position. It is a fundamental principle of members of the public to expect of members of the profession,” adding the conviction highlighted behaviour that undermined public confidence in teaching.
In coming to its decision, Peter Whitelock said the panel felt the conviction was relevant to Mr Juan Torrecillas Molina’s previous career in teaching and the matter was referred to the TRA in May last year. The panel will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State.
If it is proven conduct amounts to serious misconduct, the decision along with a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision will be published on the government’s website.
Serena Cubbin, the headteacher at St Anselm’s, told the ECHO the offences were not linked to Mr Juan Torrecillas Molina’s time at the school or any pupils at the school, adding: “As soon as we were informed, we took immediate action and worked with the relevant authorities.”
In March 2025, an OFSTED ungraded inspection found safeguarding was effective at the school and the college was highly praised in all areas. A report published last month said: “Pupils are proud to be part of this welcoming and inclusive school.
“They enjoy coming to school because they appreciate being part of a close-knit, friendly community. Pupils benefit from strong relationships with their teachers.
“They feel safe when they are in school and know who to speak to if they are worried or upset. The school is ambitious for all pupils.
“Staff are determined that all pupils gain the knowledge and skills that they need to thrive in their future lives. Overall, pupils achieve well.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.