Ex-ambulance worker jailed for child sex offences

Gavin Kermack
BBC News, West Midlands
West Mercia Police A police mugshot of a man with short dark hair, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a grey sweater over a white shirt. The West Mercia Police badge has been superimposed in the top left corner.West Mercia Police
David Andrews was arrested in December

A former ambulance worker has been jailed for 25 years for child sex offences.

David Andrews, 36, of no fixed abode, formerly of Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, pleaded guilty in February to the sexual assault and attempted rape of a child under 13, as well as taking indecent photographs of a child.

Andrews took one of the photographs while on duty for East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), police said.

He was jailed at Worcester Crown Court and also placed on the sex offenders register for life on Thursday.

Police said Andrews had worked at EMAS as an ambulance technician in the Northamptonshire area since July 2015.

He was arrested in December following an allegation of sexual assault against a child.

An investigation by West Mercia Police found video footage and nearly 7,000 indecent images on his phone, 765 of which were category A, the most severe classification.

EMAS said he was suspended when the allegations first came to light and was dismissed last month.

Det Ch Insp Ben Arrowsmith described it as "a sickening case involving offences of the utmost seriousness".

Director of quality at EMAS, Keeley Sheldon, said: "We are appalled by this conduct, committed by someone while in a position of trust.

"Patient safety is our highest priority.

"Our thoughts are with the people affected by these offences."

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