ANDREW JAMES OF LIVERPOOL FACES PROFESSIONAL DISQUIDATION OVER CHILD AND ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY CASES

In January 2013, Andrew James, a nurse from Liverpool, was found with over 2,300 indecent images stored on his computer. The police seized his devices and learned that James had previously changed his name by deed poll to evade negative publicity, as disclosed to the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Although he was convicted last year of child abuse image offenses, he avoided jail time.

Back in February 2012, James, aged 49, appeared at Warrington Crown Court where he received a two-year community order after admitting to possessing extremely pornographic images of children. The court heard that he had 2,350 indecent photographs, along with 15 making-indecent-photograph charges and three charges related to possession of the most explicit images. These images ranged from less serious to the most extreme categories.

Prosecutor John Hedgecoe described the images as 'sickening,' noting they predominantly depicted young girls, including as young as two, four, and six years old. These offenses came to light following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police named Operation Oliver, which uncovered 673 images during their investigation beginning March 6, 2010. The police arrested James on December 11, 2010, at his home where they seized his laptop, mobile phone, and other computer equipment. At the time of arrest, he was using a different surname; he officially changed his name by deed poll on July 5, 2011.

James admitted to viewing the images and explained his actions as driven by “personal reasons,” asserting he had stopped viewing such material since his arrest and had sought professional help. In an interview with police, he expressed disgust with himself. His defense lawyer, Simon Berksen, highlighted that James had taken steps to address his behavior, emphasizing his previous good character.

Judge David Hale acknowledged James’s efforts to reform, stating, “You have made considerable effort yourself to put these offences behind you and move on.” As part of his sentencing, James received a two-year supervision order, was ordered to complete the Northumbrian sex offenders course, and was required to sign the sex offenders register for five years. Additionally, he is banned from working with children, and his computer will undergo police checks in the future, all in preparation for possibly facing professional disqualification in light of his actions.