A FORMER newspaper editor who made indecent images of children has avoided jail. 

Rob George, ex-editor of the Worcester Observer, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court today (Friday, April 12) for a sentencing hearing.

The 42-year-old, of Rowan Close, Bromsgrove, previously admitted three charges of making indecent photograph/pseudo photography of a child.

George made one category A image (the worst level identified within the sentencing guidelines), two category B images and 36 category C images.

At the sentencing hearing, George was handed a three-year community order, ordered to sign onto the sex offenders register for five years, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

Ledbury Reporter: COURT: Robert George outside Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Robert George outside Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: SWNS)He also admitted making two category B images and 36 category C images during the court hearing on Thursday, (February 15). 

He was also handed a sexual harm prevention order and must carry out a rehabilitation activity requirement for 50 days. He must also pay costs of £250.

George was initially interviewed about the offences more than two years ago - on February 2, 2022.

He appeared before magistrates on February 15 when he admitted making the images between March 7, 2014, and October 14, 2021, in Bromsgrove.

A sentencing hearing at Worcester Crown Court had to be adjourned last month for legal reasons. The court heard that George was “considering serious self-harm”.

George was previously listed as being the editor of the Bullivant Media-owned Worcester Observer, Malvern Observer and Evesham Observer on their websites.

Ledbury Reporter: COURT: Robert George leaving Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Robert George leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: SWNS)

He has also worked as a reporter at the Bromsgrove Standard.

In a statement following the sentencing, the Worcester Observer said: “The first the company knew about the case came after the proceedings in February at Worcester Magistrates Court.

“The company was shocked, saddened and disturbed by the situation.

“George resigned from his positions with the papers with immediate effect.

“Had he not, he would have faced disciplinary proceedings for gross misconduct, in line with the company’s code of conduct”.