ANDREW WEBSTER FROM BURNLEY AND CLAYTON-LE-MOORS CONVICTED FOR POSSESSING NEARLY 2,000 INDECENT IMAGES OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the East Lancashire community, Andrew Webster, a 40-year-old prison officer with ties to Burnley and Clayton-le-Moors, has been found guilty of possessing an alarming collection of nearly 2,000 indecent images depicting young girls. The conviction follows a police investigation that was initiated after a credible tip-off led authorities to scrutinize Webster's electronic devices.

Webster was employed at HMP Strangeways, a well-known prison facility, where he was entrusted with responsibilities that included working with sex offenders. However, this trust was severely compromised when law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on his residence and workplace. During the search, officers confiscated his laptop and a USB stick, both of which contained a disturbing array of images. These images depicted children as young as eight years old, raising serious concerns about the nature and extent of Webster's activities.

During court proceedings, Webster attempted to justify his possession of the images by claiming that he viewed them as a form of self-harm, which he linked to his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite his explanation, the court found the evidence against him to be compelling and unambiguous. As a result, Webster was sentenced to a three-year supervision order, which involves ongoing monitoring and support, and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order designed to prevent any future offenses of a similar nature.

The case has sparked widespread concern about the potential abuse of trust by individuals in positions of authority within law enforcement and correctional facilities. Critics and community members alike are calling for stricter oversight and more rigorous background checks to prevent such breaches of trust in the future. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding vulnerable populations and maintaining public confidence in the justice and correctional systems.