A FORMER foster carer from Barrow has been sentenced for 12 counts of making indecent images of children.

Gordon Williams, 64, of Rustlings Court, was sentenced today (February 24) at Preston Crown Court to 16 months in prison, added to the sex offenders register, and given a Sexual Offender Prevention Order.

On the November 12 2013 a warrant was executed at his home address and Williams was arrested. A number of computers, memory sticks, and similar items were seized by officers.

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A number of still and moving indecent images of children, obtained from the internet and ranging in severity from A – C, were found on these devices.

Williams was a foster carer for over 30 years; he had stopped fostering children before the police investigation commenced. He has no previous criminal history for offences involving children.

Detective Inspector Neil Cooper said: “I am pleased that Williams has been brought before the courts and sentenced today as it reflects how seriously we take crimes of this type in Cumbria. Every indecent image of a child has been created through the abuse and exploitation of children, and anyone found viewing these images will face the consequences.

“It is very rare that someone who has fostered children is involved in this type of offence, and all agencies in Cumbria work together to place foster children in safe and loving homes.

"It is completely unacceptable for anyone to access these type of images, let alone someone who is in a position of trust."

Anyone who would like to report suspicious behaviour or concerns should call Cumbria Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.