William Tyrrell probe turns to child porn fiend Derek Nichols
A PERVERT pianist probed over his involvement in William Tyrrell’s disappearance is serving a Âsuspended sentence for possession of child porn.
NSW
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A PERVERT pianist probed over his involvement in the disappearance of William Tyrrell in September 2014 is serving out a suspended jail sentence for the possession of child abuse material.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Derek Nichols, a Laurieton man who previously lived a short walk from where the toddler vanished from his grandmother’s home in Kendall, was sentenced to 18 months prison on October 21 for possession of the material.
Nichols pleaded guilty to the charge but told The Daily Telegraph: “It was a lot of nonsense ... I had never even looked at it.”
Nichols is an accomplished pianist and organ player and sings in a local choir group on the state’s mid-north coast.
Mid north coast locals said they were fearful that Nichols was purposefully visiting children’s gatherings in the area.
He also attends a local Anglican church and gives talks on spirituality and music. Nichols previously denied any involvement in the disappearance of Spiderman-loving William Tyrell, now four, and said he did not know anybody connected to the case.
In a brief conversation with The Daily Telegraph, however, Nichols referred to a previous article written about him and other persons of interest and said: “What you wrote about the other man was wrong.”
Nichols, whose home was searched in May, previously said the suspicions of police were aroused by the fact he was living in Kendall and had historic child abuse offences against his name in Victoria.
The alibi provided to police when questioned over William’s suspected abduction was that he was living in Dunbogan on the day the child vanished without a trace in September 2014.
Bill Spedding, a separate person of interest in the gut-churning mystery, said he was in Dunbogan a short time after William Tyrell went missing.
Spedding has repeatedly denied involvement in William’s disappearance.
Nichols denied he knew Bill Spedding.
According to the Camden Haven Arts Council: “Derek trained in England on pipe organ and in choirs.
“Since coming to Australia he has given organ recitals in different states and has worked as conductor and accompanist with conservatoriums.
“Since moving to Port Macquarie he has established four choirs and given numerous concerts with local performers, and is currently involved with Sing Australia where he conducts and accompanies.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sing Australia advises that, contrary to the information provided by the Camden Haven Arts Council, Derek Nichols has not been involved in the organisation since October 2011.
WILLIAM TYRRELL DISAPPEARANCE
September 12, 2014
William Tyrrell disappears from his grandmother’s home at Kendall at 10.30am. He was last seen playing in the front yard and wearing his favourite Spider-Man outfit.
September 13
Two hundred volunteers join police in a search for William which takes in nearby waterways and dams. Police helicopters are brought in to assist. The search continues for nine days before being scaled back.
January 20, 2015
Detectives search the home of washing machine repair man Bill Spedding who is named as a person of interest in William’s disappearance. A number of items and a septic tank at Mr Spedding’s home is drained.
March 2, 2015
Police from the Homicide Squad start up a new search in bushland at Bonny Hills. It follows a tip off from the public.
April 17, 2015
Police reveal they are looking into reports a paedophile ring was in operation in the area at the time of William’s disappearance. It comes as the toddler’s parents speak publicly for the first time.
September 7, 2015
Police make a public appeal for information regarding two cars, a dark grey sedan and an old white station wagon — that were parked opposite the house on the day William disappeared.
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