Former police worker convicted over indecent images

Carl Hardcastle, 57, appeared at Leeds Crown Court today where he was given a two year community order, which will include undertaking a programme for sexual offenders.

Hardcastle worked in Protective Services Crime but has since resigned from the force.

Detective Constable Elkie Gardner of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said: “I hope this prosecution demonstrates that it doesn’t matter who you are, if you are found to be in possession of indecent images of children, we will investigate and take action against you.

“Hardcastle was a member of police staff and suspended from duty as a result of this investigation. Being complicit in sexual offences against children goes against everything that we value and work for as a police service.

“He has already resigned from the force but, following the conclusion of this court case, we will progress with misconduct proceedings looking at preventing any future employment within the police.”