NICOLAS COLCLOUGH OF STEVENAGE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL AT LONDON AMBULANCE DEPOT

In a case that has shocked the community of Stevenage and the wider London area, Nicolas Colclough, aged 44, faced serious criminal charges after being found guilty of downloading child pornography onto a work computer while employed as an ambulance technician. The incident took place at the Bounds Green ambulance depot, where Colclough was based, and the case was heard at Wood Green Crown Court.

According to court proceedings, Colclough used a computer at his workplace on two separate occasions to access and download disturbing images depicting young children engaged in sexual acts. Despite the internal investigation launched by the London Ambulance Service following the discovery of these images, Colclough initially refused to admit his involvement, which led to further scrutiny and suspicion among his colleagues. His reluctance to come clean ultimately resulted in his dismissal for gross misconduct in July 2004, as police investigations commenced.

Throughout the trial, Colclough maintained his innocence, pleading guilty only on the first day to six counts of downloading child pornography and one count of possession. Prosecutors also ordered eleven similar charges to be left on file, indicating the severity and breadth of the case. The court heard that the images were classified as category three on a scale of one to five, with category three representing a serious level of depravity.

Despite the gravity of his actions, Judge Recorder Malcolm Knott acknowledged Colclough’s previously unblemished record and his 17-year career as a medical technician. The judge described Colclough as a man of good character who had contributed positively to the community, notably assisting after the London Docklands bombing in 1996. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Knott explained that the decision to avoid jail was a difficult one, influenced by Colclough’s genuine remorse and the loss of his career.

Laura Brickman, representing Colclough in mitigation, explained that her client’s actions stemmed from a moment of weakness driven by curiosity and addiction to the internet. She described how Colclough, who was interested in exploring the online world, stumbled upon these disturbing images during brief episodes of what she termed “madness,” lasting about 20 minutes each time. Brickman emphasized that Colclough’s initial curiosity turned into repeated viewing, which she characterized as a form of addiction.

Brickman also highlighted that Colclough’s family, including his wife—who was described as being “beside herself with shame”—and their eight-month-old child, continued to support him despite the shame and disgrace brought upon them.

In sentencing Colclough on Friday, Judge Knott emphasized the heinous nature of child pornography, stating, “Downloading child pornography from the internet is a filthy business. The stuff you downloaded didn’t fall into the worst category, but it was bad enough.” The judge further condemned the fact that Colclough did not have the courage to admit his guilt initially, which caused suspicion to fall on his colleagues and added to the shame of the case.

He expressed regret over the loss of Colclough’s career, noting that he had been a dedicated and highly regarded ambulance technician for over seventeen years. The judge concluded that it was a tragedy that Colclough’s actions had led to the end of his professional life.

As part of his sentence, Colclough was ordered to complete a 12-month community rehabilitation order, was banned from working with children, and was required to pay costs amounting to £580. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the crime, balanced against the context of his previously unblemished service record and the remorse he expressed during sentencing.