Child pornography-related charges were withdrawn Thursday against a former Calgary elementary school principal who entered into a peace bond instead of proceeding to trial.

Bruce Campbell, 63, was charged with making and accessing child pornography in April 2024. Under the Criminal Code, it is now referred to as “child sexual abuse and exploitation material.”

At the time, he was the principal at Sacred Heart School in the southwest community of Sunalta but resigned after charges were laid. 

On Thursday, Campbell entered into a peace bond, meaning there is an admission that police have a fear that a criminal offence could take place. 

Entering into this type of peace bond is not a guilty plea, and the accused person does not admit the facts alleged by the Crown.

Employment condition on peace bond

On Thursday, prosecutor Jenny Rees read out the allegations that led to Campbell’s arrest.

She told the court that local authorities were alerted when Microsoft flagged a concerning image that was allegedly traced back to one of Campbell’s electronic devices.  

When police seized Campbell’s cellphone, three images were discovered in its cache including two exploitative photos that the Crown said were “arguably” of people under the age of 18. 

As part of the conditions of the 12-month peace bond, Campbell cannot be employed in a position of trust or authority over children under the age of 16 or attend areas where children are known to gather. 

At the request of the Crown, Justice Lloyd Robertson withdrew the criminal charges at the end of the hearing.