Blyth bus driver admits possession of over 1,000 indecent images of children

BLYTH BUS DRIVER ADMITS POSSESSION OF OVER 1,000 INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN

BLYTH BUS DRIVER ADMITS OVER 1,000 INDECENT CHILD IMAGES AFTER SIX-YEAR COURT CASE A former bus driver from Blyth has admitted possessing more than 1,000 indecent images of children after a criminal case that was delayed for almost six years.

Warren Waugh, who has links to North Tyneside, entered guilty pleas at court shortly before his trial was due to begin.

The court heard that Waugh admitted possessing more than 90 Category A, more than 80 Category B, and more than 950 Category C indecent images of children.

He also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice after making a false report to police alleging a burglary that had never taken place.

Two further charges were not read out in court.

Following the guilty pleas, Waugh was granted bail ahead of sentencing, which is scheduled to take place in September.

As a result of his convictions, he has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register, with the length of registration to be determined in accordance with the law.

The guilty pleas brought an end to proceedings that had been ongoing for years, meaning those affected were spared the prospect of giving evidence during what had been listed as a trial.

His former employer also confirmed that Waugh is no longer employed as a bus driver, with his departure taking immediate effect following the guilty pleas.

The woman who first raised concerns publicly about Waugh welcomed the outcome, saying she had spent years trying to warn others while facing false allegations herself.

She thanked police and the courts for their work in securing the convictions and said she was relieved that the truth had now emerged.

She also urged members of the public not to direct abuse towards Waugh's family, stressing that they should not be blamed for his actions.

Waugh, from Blyth, will return to court in September, where a judge will decide his sentence.