Man Admits Possessing Child Abuse Images

28 March 2011, 15:23 | Updated: 28 March 2011, 15:54

A former council legal chief has admitted possessing thousands of child abuse images, the Crown Prosecution Service said today (March 28th).

Andrew Laycock, 58, previously head of Legal Services at Hertfordshire County Council, admitted possessing more than 5,700 indecent images at St Albans Crown Court today.

Laycock, now retired, worked at the council until October 2009, but it is not thought he committed any offences while at work.

The 58-year-old, from Mandeville Road, Hertford, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of making indecent images of children, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

He also admitted one count of possessing more than 5,700 indecent images during June last year.

He will be sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on April 19.

CPS prosecutor Robbie Weber said: "Mr Laycock, who is now retired, had previously held the role of Head of Legal Services at Hertfordshire County Council, until October 2009.

"His crimes commenced whilst he worked for the council, however, there is no evidence to suggest that any of the offences were committed whilst he was at work.

"The defendant's home computer was seized as part of the investigation and thoroughly analysed, using the latest computer technology.

"Mr Laycock realised how strong the evidence was against him and has today admitted his crimes before the court.

"He will be brought back in due course for sentencing for these offences.

"The police and CPS will robustly investigate and prosecute anyone who commits crimes involving child abuse images.''