By Sarah Tulloch

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A former school crossing patrolman, once celebrated for his service to the community, has admitted to possessing a disturbing collection of child sexual abuse images. Steve Carter, 52, was once a well-known and trusted figure in the Newtownabbey area of Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, particularly at St Mary’s on the Hill Primary School, where he worked for over ten years. He gained widespread respect from staff, parents, and children, regularly participating in school events, dressing as Santa for Christmas and as Batman during Halloween. None of Carter’s crimes are connected to St Mary’s on the Hill, but his arrest and subsequent charges have sent shockwaves through the local community. In 2019, Carter was named Northern Ireland’s Lollipop Person of the Year. However, his reputation was shattered when he was arrested in September 2024 after a teenager discovered a hidden camera disguised as a can of body spray in a shower room. Police seized Carter’s electronic devices, uncovering a cache of indecent images of children dating back to October 2021. Forensic analysis confirmed he had purchased the covert camera online, Sunday Life reports. Although the police investigation was delayed due to a medical emergency suffered by Carter, he later admitted under caution to buying the camera and, in subsequent court proceedings, confessed to creating indecent images of a child. Following his arrest, Carter was suspended from his role at the school. In March 2025, parents were informed that he had not returned to the school premises since his initial arrest. He appeared briefly at Belfast Crown Court on Tuesday, September 9 and was released on continuing bail. Sentencing is expected in November, pending probation and psychological assessments. Many remembered him as a friendly and devoted father who had publicly shared the loss of his wife, Denise, during childbirth, and spoke about raising their four children alone. His story had previously earned him admiration and support from the school and local community. A parent from the school said: “Steve Carter turning out to be a paedophile has devastated everyone at the school, and in Glengormley where he lived,” said one parent. “He came across as such a friendly, happy fella who had overcome the tragedy of losing his wife. “Steve would make a point of learning the name of every child at the school and calling them by name as he escorted them across the road. “At Christmas, he dressed up as Santa for the school winter fair and handed out gifts to the younger kids. “He also dressed up as Batman every Halloween as he escorted children across the Carnmoney Road.” The impact of the case has had a knock-on effect on the school. Since Carter’s suspension, St Mary’s on the Hill has been left without a permanent school patrol officer. Other staff were required to take on the role for the remainder of the 2024–2025 school year. In a recent letter to parents, the school confirmed that the Education Authority has been unable to provide a replacement for the upcoming term, calling the situation “frustrating” and stating that the board of governors is “aghast.” The school is situated on a steep hill along a busy road known for past traffic incidents, raising further concerns about student safety in the absence of a dedicated crossing patrol officer.