AN IPSWICH headteacher today spoke of her concern that a convicted paedophile was living yards away from her primary school.Dennis Goddard, who is on the sex offenders' register, was sentenced to almost four years' imprisonment three years ago.

By Amanda Cresswell

AN IPSWICH headteacher today spoke of her concern that a convicted paedophile was living yards away from her primary school.

Dennis Goddard, who is on the sex offenders' register, was sentenced to almost four years' imprisonment three years ago.

He had pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault on teenage girls and one of having unlawful sex with a 15-year-old. He also admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice.

At his trial, Judge John Devaux described his attitude to young women as "deplorable" and said he had pleaded guilty very late in the day.

Goddard was released on parole earlier this month, but he remains on the sex offenders' register.

He is now living in Downing Close, almost opposite Downing Primary School which has 226 pupils aged between three and 11.

The Evening Star broke to headteacher Margot Barker today who reacted with shock.

"I am obviously extremely concerned about the children and the children's safety," she said.

She said if she was aware the paedophile was living opposite the school she would have informed the parents.

"The police haven't told me anything. There were rumours. But there were no names and I had heard nothing officially," said Mrs Barker. She will be contacting police and the parents.

Mrs Barker stressed Downing Primary takes the issue of children's safety very seriously in and out of the classroom.

Goddard is living with relatives and the police know he is there – although his official address is in south Ipswich.

Goddard originally contacted the Star to about an unconnected incident involving a firearm and that a revolver had been over the police.

When the Star confronted him, he admitted his conviction and claimed he was only living at his current address while recovering from an operation.

"I was a fool to myself to plead guilty because I never did anything. I should be at my home, but I've come here because of this," he said, showing a scar from the operation.