Durham Passport Office worker stole photos of girls and made indecent images of children

A Passport Office worker has admitted stealing 30 photographs of girls from applications and making indecent images of children.
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James Close, 36, of Central Parade, Shildon, County Durham, appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court where he admitted theft from Durham Passport Office and four sexual offences relating to possessing and making indecent images.

He also admitted a charge of possessing extreme pornography relating to bestiality videos.

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The theft charge related to a period between May and December last year, with Close stealing "30 Passport Photographs, of a value unknown belonging to Her Majesty's Passport Office".

Durham Passport OfficeDurham Passport Office
Durham Passport Office

Magistrates sent his case to Durham Crown Court to be sentenced on November 22 and he was bailed with conditions related to his use of computers.

After the case, Durham Police said: "Following intelligence received, a warrant was served at an address in Shildon in County Durham earlier this year and a number of items were seized by officers.

"As part of that investigation a man in his mid-30s was arrested at his workplace in Durham city on suspicion of possession of indecent images of children and theft from his employer."

After the hearing, a Home Office spokesman said: "This case is subject to ongoing legal proceedings and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment."