Air Ambulance Paramedic Struck Off After Child Porn Conviction in Hampshire

Air Ambulance Paramedic Struck Off After Child Porn Conviction

Timothy J Ross, a paramedic with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, has been struck off the medical register following a child pornography conviction.

Paramedic Convicted of Horrific Offences

Tim Ross, formerly a flying paramedic with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, was found guilty last year of making indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornographic content involving animals. The court heard Ross had three counts related to indecent photographs and one count of possessing extreme pornographic images.

In September 2022, he received a two-year community order, including 25 days of rehabilitation, a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and was placed on the sex offenders register for five years.

Police Investigation Reveals Disturbing Details

Police linked Ross to a disturbing interest in young boys, aged 6 to 10. A search of his home uncovered indecent images on his computer devices. Ross declined to comment during police interviews but claimed he didn’t know where the images came from.

Hampshire Constabulary referred him to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) shortly after the investigation began. Ross retired from paramedic duties in May 2019, admitting he would never return to the profession.

Tribunal Strikes Off Paramedic for Public Protection

This week, the Health & Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) decided to strike Ross off the medical register. They ruled his fitness to practise is seriously impaired due to the gross abuse of trust and exploitation of children.

“This case involves gross abuse of trust and exploitation of children,” said the tribunal panel. “Public protection demands this individual be removed from practice.”

Ross Issues Apology but Denies Full Responsibility

Ross did not attend Tuesday’s virtual hearing but sent a statement claiming the illegal images were unsolicited and sent by a former partner. He admitted he should have deleted them but blamed his “poor understanding of technology.”

“The images were sent to me and not searched for. I still believe they came from an ex-partner with an axe to grind. This has cost me everything, including friends and family,” Ross said.

“I have decided to take early retirement and no longer wish to be registered as a paramedic. I apologise for any embarrassment caused.”

Barred from Working with Children and Adults

Following his conviction, Ross was barred from working with children and vulnerable adults by the Disclosure and Barring Service in December 2019, ensuring he cannot return to frontline healthcare roles.

This shocking case highlights the vital need for strict vetting and oversight in emergency services.