ANDREW MAYCOCK FROM STAFFORD BANNED AFTER CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL

In October 2018, Andrew Edward Maycock, a former dental nurse from Stafford, faced severe legal consequences after a prolonged period of engaging in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse images. His actions, which spanned over four years, led to his expulsion from the dental profession and significant criminal penalties.

On March 9, 2017, police officers visited Maycock’s residence in Stafford to investigate allegations related to indecent images of children. During the visit, officers arrested him on suspicion of possessing and creating such illicit material. A subsequent search of his home yielded multiple electronic devices, including his computer and mobile phone, which were subjected to detailed forensic analysis.

The investigation uncovered a disturbing collection of images stored on Maycock’s devices. Specifically, authorities found 33 Category A images, which depict the most severe forms of child abuse, along with 30 Category B images and 56 Category C images. Furthermore, Maycock was found to have actively shared some of these images online, distributing three Category A images, one Category B image, and two Category C images to others via the internet.

Following his arrest, Maycock was taken to Stafford Crown Court, where he appeared on September 4, 2017. He pleaded guilty to all six counts outlined in the indictment, which included possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The court proceedings were adjourned to allow for a pre-sentence report prepared by the Probation Service.

On October 6, 2017, Maycock was sentenced to 24 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). As part of his sentence, he was also required to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service.

In addition to his criminal penalties, the court imposed strict restrictions on Maycock’s future use of the internet and electronic devices. He is prohibited from acquiring any device capable of internet access without notifying the police within three days of purchase. He must also refrain from deleting any internet history and is required to make all devices available for inspection upon request. Installing anti-forensic software or using the internet or social media to contact anyone under 16 is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, Maycock cannot possess devices that store digital images unless they are made available for police inspection. Contact or communication with minors under 16 is only permitted if it is incidental during lawful daily activities, with prior consent from guardians, and with the approval of social services.

Maycock submitted a written statement expressing remorse, stating, "I do not condone my actions and take full responsibility for them. As mentioned previously, I have been given a second chance by the courts, and I guess part of my punishment was having to give up my previous careers. I really do miss them, but I understand I have to ‘pay’ for my crime, and this is part of it." His case highlights the serious consequences faced by individuals involved in the possession and distribution of child abuse images, especially when such activities are conducted over an extended period and involve online sharing.