WARREN HENDERSON CAUGHT VIEWING CHILD PORN IN TENTERDEN HOSPITAL

In July 2004, a disturbing case emerged involving Warren Henderson, a care assistant based in Tenterden, who was found to have accessed and viewed a significant number of indecent images of young girls on his work computer. The incident took place at the West View Hospital, located near Ashford, where Henderson was employed.

According to reports, Henderson, aged 39, was among a small group of staff members authorized to use the hospital’s computer equipment, which had been installed in March of that year. During a routine IT department sweep, authorities discovered that one of the three staff members using the machine had been viewing inappropriate material. This discovery prompted an investigation that ultimately traced the activity back to Henderson, who resides on Tilden Gill Road in Tenterden.

At Ashford Magistrates' Court, Henderson faced charges of making indecent photographs of children. He admitted to viewing a total of 16 such images, which were taken between March 18 and April 29. The images depicted young girls in various states of undress, often naked, and were captured in different settings such as sofas, bathrooms, beaches, and even in front of mirrors. The material was described as being at the lower end of the severity scale, but nonetheless constituted a serious breach of conduct.

Henderson, a father of two, had previously served with the NHS for 22 years before being compelled to resign earlier this year. His defense attorney, Tahir Saeed, explained that Henderson had told a work colleague that his viewing of the pornographic sites was driven by curiosity, and that this was the only explanation he could offer.

The magistrates were informed that Henderson’s actions did not warrant a custodial sentence, given the nature of the images and his lack of prior convictions. Saeed emphasized that Henderson was a man with no previous police record and had not been in contact with law enforcement until his arrest. The defendant reportedly expressed remorse, telling his line manager, “I have been really stupid.”

Following the hearing, Henderson was released on bail until August 18. However, he is required to sign the sex offenders’ register as part of his bail conditions. The case has raised concerns about the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals and the importance of strict monitoring of staff access to sensitive equipment in healthcare settings.