MOUDASSAR KHAN FROM READING STRUCK OFF AS A SOCIAL WORKER AFTER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES CONVICTION

In June 2014, a social worker from Reading was deregistered following a conviction related to child indecent images. Mudassar Khan, 26, from Reading, was sentenced to two years and eight months in December at Winchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to 17 charges. The charges involved more than 6,000 indecent images of children. As a result, he has been removed from the register of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Christine Mills, chair of the conduct and competence committee, stated: “The matters involved are so serious that they are arguably beyond repair and will have had lasting damage on his reputation and his profession. The nature, gravity and number of images involved, the fact that they had been distributed, and the age of those involved were such that the panel came to the decision that the only proportionate and appropriate measure in this instance is to remove the registrant from the register.”

Khan previously worked in Southampton and Portsmouth, with contact to at-risk children as part of his social work responsibilities. Hampshire Police initiated an investigation after his email address was used to upload the images online.

He worked for Southampton City Council from April 2009 to January 2011 and for Portsmouth City Council for 11 months in 2011. Both councils confirmed they followed safeguarding procedures during his recruitment.

Additionally, the panel issued an interim suspension order to remain in effect during the appeals process.