Former Cleveland Police communications boss pleads guilty to making indecent images of children
John William Green, known as Will Green, appeared before magistrates earlier today
Cleveland Police's former head of corporate communications has today pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.
John William Green, known as Will Green, 42, resigned from Cleveland Police after he was charged with the offence.
He appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Friday and admitted one charge of making indecent images, namely 79 category C still images, on January 12 at Wynyard near Hartlepool.
It was said the National Crime Agency informed Cleveland Police that images had been downloaded.
No other details of the offending were given in court.
Janice Hall, defending, passed on references and a letter from the former communications boss.
Deputy District Judge Thomas Moran adjourned sentencing for a probation report to be prepared.
He will be sentenced on August 24 at 2pm.
Judge Moran told Green he would receive credit for his guilty plea.
He added: "I have also read the letter and references which I am sure the court will consider very carefully on the next occasion, particularly your own letter which I can see it was not easy for you to write."
The judge told Green all sentencing options were open to the court.
Green, previously from Hexham in Northumberland, was granted unconditional bail.
Superintendent Paul Waugh from the Cleveland Police Directorate of Standards and Ethics said:
“This is not a victimless crime, behind every illegal image of a child is a victim of child sexual abuse and exploitation who endures a lifetime of trauma. We will do all we can to identify offenders and bring anyone to justice who is involved in the production, distribution or possession of indecent images, whoever or wherever they are.
“As soon as Cleveland Police was made aware of these allegations, swift action was taken by specialist detectives and a warrant was executed at an address in the Cleveland area during which computers and other items were seized. Will Green was suspended from his role as Head of Corporate Communications and resigned. He is no longer an employee of Cleveland Police. Whilst the offences are not linked to his role, he was in a trusted position in policing, communicating about the core values that he did not uphold. He has let his colleagues, partner agencies and local communities down.
“The public may be concerned that a Cleveland Police staff member has been found to have committed these offences, but I hope our actions to bring this person before the courts provides reassurance and highlights that we do everything in our power to seek justice for these crimes, without fear or favour, even when the suspect works for the same police force.”