Former Chesterfield paramedic found with more than 18,000 sick images of children

Stanley Angove, 51, was jailed for seven years and six months after admitting 30 charges which included sexual assault, voyeurism, and making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

Angove worked as a paramedic for about eight years.

He left East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) in 2005 and moved to Kingsclere Avenue in Southampton, where he volunteered with a children’s diving club.

Ian Longley, who used to work with Angove, said: “He was a bit of an oddball and an outsider and didn’t really mix with other people.

“I was gobsmacked to hear he’s been sent to prison for these disgusting crimes.

“I’m glad justice has been done.”

A spokesman for EMAS said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that he has acted in this way.”

Southampton Crown Court heard how officers discovered a laptop, a computer and 429 DVDs and VHS tapes containing 18,005 of indecent images of children and 494 prohibited drawings and cartoons. Some of the footage featured acts carried out by him – while others were from elsewhere – and included 1,529 images graded as the worst category, the court heard.

Police uncovered a hidden camera linked by wiring rigged through the loft into a wardrobe which also contained a stash of whips and canes while a child’s underwear was also found in the room, the court heard.

In mitigation, Mark Ruffell said Angove’s ‘hidden lifestyle’ stemmed from a childhood of neglect.

He pointed to his client’s previous good character, telling the court: “As a paramedic he was a compassionate, kind, loyal man.”

He told the court his client did not possess a danger to the public and showed genuine remorse, adding: “He is dreadfully ashamed.”

Judge Peter Ralls branded Angove’s behaviour ‘reprehensible’ and said: “Right-minded people in society will be appalled.

“You had a positive good character in the past and were involved in activities in the community.

“You yourself as a child were unhappy, neglected and suffered from psychological harm but it’s not an excuse.”

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Due to the nature of these offences we recognise that there may be other victims who have not come forward.

“We would encourage anyone who sees coverage of Angove’s case and who wishes to report a crime to contact police on 101 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”