JOHN WYMARK FROM MALTON CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN LEEDS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Malton and the wider North Yorkshire area, social worker and naturist leader John Wymark, aged 64, was found to have stored highly disturbing images of child abuse on his work computer. The incident came to light during a formal hearing conducted by the General Social Care Council (GSCC), revealing the extent of his misconduct and the serious repercussions that followed.

Wymark, who resided on Victoria Road in Malton, was employed as a drugs counsellor at the Crime Reduction Initiative based in Leeds. During his tenure, he accessed and downloaded a collection of illicit and disturbing material, including photographs, cartoons, and videos that depicted extreme acts of sadism, bestiality, and child abuse. These images were stored on his office computer, raising grave concerns about his conduct and the safety of those around him.

The GSCC hearing disclosed that Wymark’s actions involved the possession and creation of indecent images of children, as well as the possession of prohibited and extreme pornographic content. The panel was informed that among the material found were images that ranked at the highest level of severity, indicating the most serious form of abuse and exploitation. The revelation of such material was particularly alarming given Wymark’s role as a social worker, a profession committed to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Further details revealed that Wymark had previously admitted to making indecent photographs of a child, possessing illegal images of minors, and possessing extreme pornography. His conviction was secured in York Crown Court last year, where he received a sentence of nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was permanently barred from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16, reflecting the gravity of his offences.

The hearing also highlighted that a colleague from the charity had reported concerns after discovering vile video footage on Wymark’s computer. This complaint prompted the investigation that ultimately led to his conviction and removal from the social work register.

In light of the evidence and the seriousness of his misconduct, the GSCC panel, chaired by Susan Riddle, concluded that Wymark’s actions rendered him fundamentally incompatible with the standards expected of social workers. As a result, he was struck off the register, effectively ending his professional career in social work. The decision underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations and maintaining integrity within the social care profession.