November 2015: Now living in the Hensingham area of Whitehaven. He works in the local spar shop. July 2014 Residential child care worker caught with child abuse images A residential child care worker has avoided a prison sentence after being caught in possession of hundreds of indecent images of children Paul Andrew Ferris, formerly of Wellington in Somerset was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on 28.07.14 for a number of sexual offences relating to children. The court heard that in 2013, Paul Ferris was employed as a residential care worker who looked after children. A police investigation was initiated as an 11-year-old female that resided at the unit had made an allegation that Ferris had been kissing and cuddling her. There was no further action taken in respect of this as she was not found to be a credible witness as she had made unsubstantiated allegations against others. It later transpired that the girl had told police that Ferris had taken a number of photographs of her – of which some were found on a phone belonging to Ferris. During discussions with probation, Ferris accepted that he was probably closer to the child then he should of been and admitted he did take her away with him for a night in a caravan for respite.  The police took Ferris’ computer away for examination and found several hundred indecent photographs of children being sexual abused by adults.  The court was told that the images covered all levels of severity for indecency. Prosecution say their view was that the discrepancies in Ferris’ account show a level of dishonesty and manipulation. And that he showed no remorse, as he did not take any responsibility for his actions. Ferris received a community order for three years, with supervision for three years, and was ordered to complete a sexual offending programme. He is banned from working with children and vulnerable adults for life, and given a 15-year SOPO He is also subject to the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years.