Martin Wadsworth

A former police officer from Worcester has been sentenced to imprisonment for possessing and downloading child pornography. Martin Wadsworth, aged 48, who previously served with West Mercia Police, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to 15 charges of making indecent images of children.

The court heard that police discovered 773 indecent images on Wadsworth's computer during an investigation into a separate allegation against him. This discovery was not connected to the high-profile Operation Ore, an international effort targeting internet paedophiles. Wadsworth, residing at Selbourne Road in Barbourne, Worcester, had retired from the force in 1990 due to ill health after working in Evesham.

Judge David Matthew, presiding over the case, emphasised the severity of the offence given Wadsworth's background in law enforcement. "Your previous employment means that, in my judgement, you must have understood perfectly the evil abuse of these children photographed by those who produce this type of material," the judge stated. He further remarked, "You know all too well those who download this type of material provide a market and encouragement for the abusers."

In addition to the eight-month custodial sentence, Wadsworth was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years. The case underscores the betrayal of public trust by a former officer involved in such serious child sex offences. The sentencing took place on Monday at Birmingham Crown Court, as reported by Worcester News.