Gloucestershire officer admits to possessing indecent images of children

PC Stephen McGoldrick, 50, who was a response officer with the force, was initially found to have indecent images on his mobile phone in April this year.

Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary subsequently secured warrants at two addresses linked to McGoldrick and seized multiple devices, including a laptop and USB flash drives. A total of 9,162 images were found, all of which were believed to have been accessed between 2008 and 2019.

Of the images, five were classed as Category A, 23 as Category B and 9,134 as Category C.

McGoldrick was suspended after the allegations first came to light and resigned from the force when he was charged in July.

At Bristol Magistrates’ Court, McGoldrick pleaded guilty to five counts of making indecent images of children. He was bailed on condition he does not to have contact with persons under the age of 18 and resides at a specified address. He will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on September 11. He will also face a gross misconduct hearing in due course.

Following the hearing, Gloucestershire Constabulary Detective Chief Inspector Chris Hanson from said: “These were very serious offences involving the abuse of innocent children who we should be seeking to protect.

“This abhorrent crime is completely unacceptable and seems even worse when committed by a police officer who should hold a place of trust and respect in the community. There is certainly no place for individuals like this within Gloucestershire Constabulary.”