The deputy head of Princess Diana's former school has admitted possessing child sex abuse images.

But William Whillock will only be punished with a community order as the seven images he was caught with are at the lowest level of one - the highest being five.

The 56-year-old, who taught at The New School, near Sevenoaks, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to four charges of possessing indecent images of a child between November 10 last year and January 14.

He denied causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity by a person in a position of trust, as deputy head of the school, and the charge was left on the court file.

Edmund Fowler, prosecuting, said he had discussed the matter carefully with the district Crown prosecutor and it was deemed appropriate not to proceed to trial on the charge.

Pressed for a fuller explanation by Judge Philip Statman, Mr Fowler said the circumstances in which the photographs came into being were clear.

He said what could be alleged in the inciting charge was "entirely what has occurred" in the indecent images charges.

Mr Fowler said there were also concerns about the girl.

"It is not in the public interest to take these matters any further in relation to her," he added.

The judge replied: "That is the Crown's view and it has been reviewed at a very high level indeed. In those circumstances if that is the way the Crown comes before the court and presents its case, I will direct it should lie on the file on the usual terms."

Claire Drury, defending, said sentencing guidelines stated the starting point for level one indecent images was a community order.

"I realise there are a number of aggravating features in this case," she said.

Judge Statman said as there was clearly a public interest in the matter, it was right the public should know what the guidelines were.

In Whillock's case there were six or seven images all at level one. For such offences, the guidelines stated there should be "an appropriate non-custodial sentence".

The judge will impose a sexual offences prevention order when Whillock is sentenced on May 21. His name will also appear on the sex offenders' register.

"I am concerned about this man working with children," he said. "It will become an offence for him to apply for such a job."

Whillock, of Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, was arrested in front of staff and pupils on January 14.

Formerly known as West Heath, the school was attended Princess Diana but closed in 1997 - the day after Diana and Dodi Fayed were killed in a car crash.

It reopened in 1998, as a pupil referral unit, after a donation from Mohamed Al Fayed, and is said to be a "living memorial" to Diana and Dodi.

According to its website, The New School has only one aim, "to rebuild young damaged lives through education".

Whillock, known as Bill, was one of three designated child protection co-ordinators at the school, according to the website.