Paedophile asked police for protection after crimes were revealed

Graham Williamson rang North Yorkshire Police after The Northern Echo reported on his conviction for amassing a collection of more than 18,000 images of children.

The 55-year-old told police he was concerned for his safety after his street address - Peppermint Drive, in Colburn - was published in the article.

Following the call, he was allowed to wait at Catterick Garrison police station until alternative accommodation could be found.

Police said they also received calls from concerned members of the public worried about their children after the conviction came to light.

Inspector Mark Gee, from the Richmond safer neighbourhood team, said: “North Yorkshire Police was contacted by a resident of Colburn who was concerned for his safety following the publication of a court report in a newspaper which he believed identified his home address.

“The man requested that he was allowed to wait at Catterick Garrison police station while police and partner agencies found him alternative accommodation.

“He continues to fully comply with the strict conditions placed on him following his recent conviction.”

Inspector Gee added: “We are aware that following publication of the article, there were concerns expressed by local residents.

"Officers have been working with members of the community to offer reassurance.”

Williamson was found to be in possession of 18,433 pictures and 11 videos of children after police were tipped off by a member of staff at the hotel where he worked.

He told police the pictures and videos of pubescent and prepubescent girls found on his computer did not excite him, but he had downloaded them because he was bored.

He was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years with 18 months of supervision after he pleaded guilty to 27 charges of making indecent images and seven of possessing them.

He was also ordered to complete 150 hours' of unpaid work and be subject to a curfew from 8pm to 8am.