LANCE THOMSON FROM HEYSHAM JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN PRESTON

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Heysham, Lancashire, Lance Thomson, a former police officer, has been sentenced to a 24-week imprisonment after being found guilty of possessing a significant number of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in March when authorities discovered the disturbing material on his personal computer at his residence on Barrows Lane, Heysham.

Thomson, aged 46, had accumulated a total of 174 photographs depicting minors, some of whom were of primary school age. The images were stored on his home computer, and investigations revealed that he had downloaded these illicit images over a span of approximately six years. Additionally, he had received emails containing photographs of children from individuals he encountered in online chatrooms, further implicating his involvement in the distribution and possession of such material.

The court proceedings at Preston Crown Court detailed the severity of the case. Most of the images were classified as level one, indicating a lower level of severity, but a small number were rated at level four, which is considered the second most serious category. Thomson, who had served as a constable with Lancashire Police for 18 years before his dismissal, appeared in court dressed in a striped navy tie and a blue shirt. He bowed his head as the case details were read aloud, demonstrating remorse and acknowledgment of his actions.

During the hearing, Thomson’s defense attorney, David Toal, emphasized his client’s prior good character. He described Thomson as a “committed family man” who had engaged in voluntary work in Morecambe before the allegations surfaced. Mr. Toal stated, “It is clear that his guilty pleas were entered with acceptance of responsibility along with remorse. Rather than committing criminal offences, he has largely been responsible for making sure the law was observed in his previous work as a police officer.”

He further highlighted Thomson’s long-standing service, noting that he began his career as a special constable in 1983 before officially joining Lancashire Police in 1992. His dedication to duty was recognized as he served with distinction for many years. The defense argued that the loss of his employment and the associated shame would be a significant punishment in itself, stating, “The associated shame will live with him forever more.”

Thomson had previously pleaded guilty to 15 counts of possessing indecent images of children. Judge Graham Knowles QC handed down the sentence, which included a ban on working with children and restrictions on his internet access to prevent further offenses. The judge remarked, “It is said he would find prison difficult but that is something he knew when he disgraced his office in his own private time.” The case underscores the serious consequences of such criminal behavior, even for individuals who once held positions of public trust.