ANDREW MOORE FROM BARROWFORD AND BRADFORD JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Barrowford and Bradford, former police officer Andrew Moore, aged 30, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of possessing indecent images of children. The incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement personnel and the integrity expected from those sworn to protect the public.

According to court reports, Moore’s descent into viewing increasingly explicit material began with adult pornography. Over time, his curiosity led him to explore more provocative and disturbing content, culminating in the viewing of indecent images of minors. The court heard that Moore’s actions came to light in November of 2011 when Lancashire Police received information from an external investigation that included his name. This tip-off prompted a search of his belongings.

During the search, authorities discovered two laptops—one found in the boot of his vehicle and another in his bedroom—containing a total of 82 images classified across levels one to four of severity. The images were deemed to be of a child abuse nature, and their possession was a criminal offense. Moore, who was residing in Barrowford at the time, did not deny the charges. He resigned from his position as a police officer just 11 days after his arrest and subsequently pleaded guilty to eight counts of possessing indecent images of children.

His defense attorney, Joanne Stephens, provided context for Moore’s actions, explaining that he had moved from Bradford to East Lancashire in November 2006 to pursue a new career in law enforcement. She highlighted that Moore’s solitary lifestyle and shift work contributed to feelings of loneliness, which may have influenced his online behavior. Ms. Stephens emphasized that Moore had not downloaded or distributed the images, and expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the harm caused by such material and the industry behind its creation.

During sentencing, the chairman of the bench, Ian Lomax, addressed the gravity of the offense, particularly given Moore’s role as a police officer. He stated, “There would not be an industry if people were not viewing these images. This is clearly aggravated by the fact you were a serving police officer whose job is to protect the public, not exploit them. I am aware your time in custody will be a torrid one being a former police officer.”

Moore was sentenced to eight months in prison and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years. Additionally, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed, restricting his access to the internet and computers unless for legitimate purposes, for the same duration.

Following the case, Detective Superintendent Martyn Leveridge from the Professional Standards Department issued a statement condemning Moore’s conduct. He said, “The public quite rightly expect that all employees of Lancashire Constabulary maintain the highest possible standards of professional behaviour. This officer has let himself, his colleagues, and the Constabulary down by his actions.”