Former New Longton police officer sentenced for possessing indecent images

Thomas Woods, 34, of New Longton, near Preston, was a serving officer in the Greater Manchester police force in the Salford area when he was arrested in December 2021.

After receiving information about potential indecent images, officers attended at the then home of Woods in Bury and seized two phones and a laptop. Following extensive forensic examination, police recovered over a thousand indecent images, many of which showed sexual acts involving children.

Woods made no comment in interview but went on to plead guilty to the offences at court.

He was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester to 16 months in prison suspended for two years. During the two years he will carry out 180 hours unpaid work and 30 days rehabilitation.

Ben Collinson, District Crown Prosecutor with CPS North West, said: “Woods committed serious offences when he sought out indecent images and videos of children. He accessed images for 10 years.

“The CPS worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case to put before the court. Woods accepted his guilt when he was brought before the Magistrates.

“The sexual exploitation of children and the distribution of images like this is an utterly sickening practice and one which the CPS and its partners will continue to prosecute robustly to the full extent of the law.”

Det Ch Insp Dave Jones, of GMP’s Professional Standards Branch said: "Possessing indecent images is disgusting behaviour from a police officer, who members of the public trust to fight crime and keep people safe.

"Greater Manchester Police's officers and staff are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour and those who fall below these standards are investigated and, when relevant, prosecuted.

“Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings, misconduct proceedings will commence in due course.”