A Greater Manchester Police employee from Tameside has been charged with making indecent images of children.

Thomas O’Connor, 19, a civilian member of GMP staff, appeared at Tameside Magistrates' Court on Friday (9 June) where he pleaded guilty to the charges of making indecent images of children.

He has now been remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on Friday 7 July.

GMP say O’Connor was immediately arrested and suspended from employment in February 2023, when the force received intelligence from the National Crime Agency.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Jones, from GMP Professional Standards Branch, said: “Charges of this nature against police employees are obviously concerning and we understand they have the potential to really damage public trust and confidence in the force.

“Though the investigation team’s work is ongoing, there is currently no evidence to suggest that these charges relate to anyone O’Connor has come into contact with whilst working for Greater Manchester Police.

“Due to the case being subject to legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time."

Crime can be reported via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

GMP’s Professional Standards Branch can be contacted via the force’s website: Complaints | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers - Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) or 0800 555 111.

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