A REFORMED offender has spoken out as part of the ongoing Indecent Images campaign run by West Yorkshire Police. 

The campaign specifically targets adults involved in the viewing of indecent images of under 18-year-olds online.

Police spoke to a man, previously a music peformer with a high profile life, who was convicted of this very offence.

In a video released by West Yorkshire Police the man describes how he had "no life at all" after his conviction and becoming a registered sex offender.

His family no longer speak to him. 

He said: "Obviously the police were monitoring certain sites, you know, chat sites and everything else.

"They came knocking on the door and they found a pen drive with images on it. My heart just sank."

He describes prison as a depressing time, but he and his six-year-old daughter did exchange letters during his time there.

But since release, he hasn't seen her after the mother's decision to not let him see their daughter.

He explains it would cost him thousands of pounds to see her now. 

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Mark Burns-Williamson said: "The video of the perpetrator brings the consequences into a very real perspective and should serve as a stark reminder as to the many ways in which this illegal activity can ruin lives in more ways than one.

"Tackling this type of online behaviour is part and parcel of the priorities within my Police and Crime Plan and I support new approaches in which this issue can be effectively addressed.

"This combination of strict enforcement and education is crucial in keeping young people safe across our communities and particularly within the digital environment.”

Detective Superintendent Jon Morgan who leads West Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Central Governance Unit said: "We want to get across to anyone who is currently looking or thinking about looking at indecent images of children, it is a crime and you will get caught.

"Most people who we arrest for downloading and sharing indecent images of children have never come to the attention of the police and are not what people may think as a criminal.

Mr Morgan said explained there is help out there to stop this harmful behaviour before it ruins lives.

If you are concerned about your own behaviour or that of someone you know, there is help and support available from a number of charities and not for profit organisations, including the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Safer Lives and NSPCC.

For more information about the campaign and support available visit westyorkshire.police.uk/iioc