FORMER RED ARROWS PILOT AND ANDREW CUBIN OF WINDSOR ADMITS TO POSSESSING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES
Andrew Cubin, formerly known as Andy Cubes Cubin, a highly respected former pilot of the Red Arrows and a recipient of an MBE, has admitted to possessing indecent images of children.The 59-year-old, now residing in Windsor, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court where it was revealed he has changed his name to Andrew Lloyd.
Cubin pleaded guilty to three charges related to the possession of indecent images of a child, including 48 images classified as the most serious Category A.
During his career spanning two decades in the Royal Air Force, he was renowned as a Red Arrows pilot.
Prosecutor Keith Ballinger explained that Wiltshire Police initiated the investigation after obtaining information suggesting an IP address was being used to upload such images online.
“The IP address was found to belong to an address in Malmesbury,” he stated.
He continued, “Officers attended the address on 17 February last year and arrested Mr Lloyd.” At the hearing, Mr.
Ballinger noted that Cubin told officers, “you can take my laptop, I used that,” and claimed, “I have removed all the images.” Several items, including a laptop, were seized from his residence in Kings Meadow, Crudwell, near Malmesbury.
Forensic analysis of the seized items revealed numerous indecent images and videos of children.
The court was informed that 48 images fell under Category A, depicting children engaged in penetrative sexual activity.
Additionally, 39 Category B images, which show non-penetrative sexual acts involving children, and 10 Category C images, were also recovered.
Cubin fully admitted to the offences during police interviews.
It was revealed that in 2016, he and his wife experienced a tragic loss when their 14-year-old daughter died unexpectedly during a sleepover.
Mr.
Ballinger mentioned that Lloyd made reference to his daughter in the custody interview, but defense solicitor Nicholas Wragg asked that this detail not be elaborated on during the court proceedings.
The court ordered Lloyd to register as a sex offender at Bracknell Police Station within 72 hours.
The case has been transferred to Swindon Crown Court for sentencing scheduled for 6 May, where a pre-sentence report has been ordered.
The magistrates’ bench stated, “You will be committed to Swindon Crown Court for sentencing.
These offences are so serious you need a greater punishment than we can give,” as Lloyd was released on unconditional bail.
Lloyd, now living on Wood Close in Windsor, previously served as a Red Arrow pilot, flying as Red 6, the leader of the synchronized formation team.
His aviation career also included flying Jaguars and Hawks before he qualified as a fast jet instructor.
He boasts over 500 display flights across the UK and has engaged with the public afterward.
Since leaving the RAF in 2002, he has worked for well-known airlines as a Captain, flying Airbus models including the A321, A320, and A319.
Outside of commercial aviation, Lloyd is also involved in stunt flying with a private company.
In addition, he has a passion for photography, operating a commercial and wedding photography business, and teaching photography workshops in Wiltshire.
