Ex-head of communications condemned by force over child abuse images conviction

John William Green, more commonly known as Will Green, was suspended when he was arrested and has since resigned from his role.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to making 79 Category C still indecent images of children following his arrest on January 12 this year.

Will Green arriving at court

Following his guilty plea, 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.”

Green, formerly of Wynyard near Stockton, will return to Teesside Magistrates' Court on August 24 to be sentenced.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Given his senior communications role with Cleveland Police at the time of his crimes, Green will have been all too aware of the force’s determination to prevent the abuse of children, but instead chose - by making indecent images of children - to encourage it.

“In doing so he has not only contributed to an abhorrent industry which creates innocent young victims around the world, but betrayed his colleagues within the force who are dedicated to protecting children from abuse and bringing offenders like Green to justice.”

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111. Adults can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspccc.org.uk

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