FRANK SHEEHAN FROM SUTTON COLDFIELD RECEIVES £500,000 PENSION AFTER CHILD PORN OFFENSES IN WEST MIDLANDS

In a case that has shocked the local community, Frank Sheehan, a former fire chief based in Sutton Coldfield, has been linked to the possession of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in November 2008, leading to his immediate arrest on November 18. The very next day, Sheehan resigned from his prestigious position as Chief Fire Officer for the West Midlands Fire Service, marking a swift response from the authorities.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Sheehan, who was 55 years old at the time, faced no formal criminal charges after a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service. Last month, he accepted a formal caution, which is a lesser form of criminal penalty, and was subsequently registered on the sex offenders' register for a period of two years. The CPS determined that pursuing a full prosecution was not in the public interest, a decision that drew criticism from some members of the community and advocacy groups.

Remarkably, Sheehan, who resides in Sutton Coldfield, did not face any disciplinary action from his former employer, the West Midlands Fire Service. Instead, it is reported that he received a substantial pension payout estimated at around £500,000. This lump sum was reportedly followed by ongoing pension payments of approximately £6,000 per month, raising questions about the handling of his case and the safeguards in place for public officials involved in criminal activities.

Adding to the controversy, Frank Sheehan was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in June of the previous year, during the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for his services to local government. This recognition now stands in stark contrast to the allegations and his subsequent legal situation, casting a shadow over his career and the honors bestowed upon him. The case continues to evoke debate about the responsibilities of public officials and the processes surrounding pension and disciplinary actions in such sensitive cases.