Dr. Sharmake Abdulahi Maxamed, Convicted of Child Abuse Material Offences:

In a troubling case brought to light by the National Crime Agency (NCA), a doctor employed at a Warwickshire hospital was caught downloading and accessing child abuse material - but has not been sent to jail.

Sharmake Abdulahi Maxamed, a 29-year-old Swedish national, had previously pleaded guilty, at Leicester Magistrates Court, to possessing indecent images and videos of children - including 28 which were classified as the most severe.

At the sentencing hearing at Leicester Crown Court, Sharmake Abdulahi Maxamed received a 10 month sentence, suspended for two years.

The investigation, initiated in July 2020, stemmed from a tip-off by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) after an online account linked to Maxamed received a folder containing numerous files depicting the abuse of children aged between five and 15. The sender, an Australian national, had been apprehended by the AFP for sharing indecent images of children.

Following diligent efforts by NCA officers, Maxamed was arrested at his home in Leicester in October 2021. Subsequent examination of his phone revealed a cache of disturbing content, including 28 category A, 18 category B, and six category C images and videos. Evidence retrieved from the device indicated Maxamed's active search for such material online and revelations regarding his concerning use of drugs, including of him telling contacts about his use of cocaine during work breaks.

Danielle Pownall, Senior Investigating Officer, emphasized the gravity of Maxamed's actions and expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts with Australian counterparts, which were instrumental in securing justice in this case.

Maxamed did not work directly with children and was under supervision at work as a newly employed doctor before his arrest. His employment contract has been terminated in light of the conviction.

Jason King

JK News Birmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews

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