Air Ambulance Paramedic Banned for Child Abuse Images
A paramedic from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has been struck off after being convicted for making indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornographic content.
Timothy J Ross, a former flying paramedic, was removed from the medical register by the Health & Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) this week. The panel ruled his fitness to practise is “impaired” on public protection grounds.
From Respected Fundraiser to Convicted Offender
Ross worked for several years at the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service before joining the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. He was well known as an enthusiastic fundraiser. Later, he moved to South Central Ambulance Service.
But his reputation came crashing down in August 2023 at Bournemouth Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to:
- 3 counts of making indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of children (boys aged 6 to 10)
- 1 count of possessing extreme pornographic images involving acts with animals
He was handed a two-year community order with 25 days of rehabilitation activity. He’s also subject to a 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders register for 5 years.
Police Investigation and No Comment Defence
The case came to light after police received intelligence that Ross was showing an inappropriate interest in young boys. A search of his home uncovered illegal images on his computer equipment.
Ross gave a “no comment” interview and claimed he had no knowledge of where the images came from, insisting he never saw them before.
Following the investigation, Hampshire Constabulary reported the matter to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in February 2019. Ross announced his retirement shortly after, set for May 2019.
Judge Calls It Child Sex Abuse – Paramedic Speaks Out
“It is a shame someone with that background—who would otherwise be commended—finds themselves before the Court for a matter which effectively amounts to child sex abuse. Because that is what these offences amount to,” said the judge at sentencing. “I am satisfied this was an isolated episode, largely driven by curiosity rather than sexual gratification.”
Timothy Ross did not attend the virtual tribunal but submitted a statement. He claimed:
“The images on my device were sent to me, not searched for, and I had no control over that. I should have deleted them but lack technical ability. I believe the images came from an ex-partner from a failed relationship trying to cause damage. This has cost me thousands and I’ve lost everything, including friends and family. I never searched for images of minors—any sites I visited displayed legal age content. I have decided to retire early and do not intend to continue as a paramedic. My apologies for any embarrassment caused to the HCPC and Ambulance Service.”
Struck Off and Barred for Child Exploitation
The HCPTS panel said Ross’ case involved a “gross abuse of trust” and exploitation of children. They ruled his fitness to practise is “impaired” and permanently struck him off the medical register.
Additionally, the Disclosure and Barring Service barred Ross from working with children or vulnerable adults on 7th December 2019.
