LUIS PROENCA CAUGHT IN CHERRY HINTON FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGES USING CAMBRIDGE HOSPITAL WI-FI

In April 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving a healthcare support worker who exploited hospital Wi-Fi networks to access and view child abuse images. The individual, identified as Luis Proenca, aged 41, residing on High Street in Cherry Hinton, was arrested in September at his rented accommodation within Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. The arrest marked a significant development in the investigation into his activities.

Following his apprehension, Cambridge Crown Court sentenced Proenca to a community order that would last for two years. This decision came after he pleaded guilty to three counts of creating indecent images. As part of his sentence, the court mandated that he undergo rehabilitation to address his behavior, imposed a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his activities, and registered him as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

Authorities from Cambridgeshire Police revealed that during the raid on Proenca’s rented room, officers discovered a computer, several memory sticks, and multiple mobile phones. These devices contained graphic and disturbing content related to child abuse. Proenca himself admitted to officers that he was struggling with a “problem” and expressed a need for help, indicating awareness of his problematic behavior.

It was confirmed by police that the images downloaded by Proenca were not linked to any individuals at the hospital, suggesting that his activities were not connected to his professional environment or any hospital patients. His role at the hospital involved caring for patients recovering from anesthesia, a position that underscores the severity of his misconduct given the trust placed in healthcare workers. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of hospital resources and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation and abuse.