Paramedic struck off after jail sentence for child abuse image offences in Reading
According to the panel, a substantial number of the most serious Category A and B indecent images of children were found on his devices
A paramedic has been struck off the professional register after being jailed for possessing and distributing child abuse images in Reading.
The decision follows police executing a warrant at Peter J Burningham's home on 6th January 2023, where they seized several digital devices. According to the panel, a substantial number of the most serious Category A and B indecent images of children were found on those devices. Evidence was also found that two moving images were distributed on 26th August 2020, alongside specific internet searches relating to illegal material.
After initially pleading not guilty in December 2023, the paramedic admitted all charges on 16th April 2024 at Reading Crown Court. The offences included possession and distribution of indecent images.
Burningham was sentenced on 31st May 2024 to 28 months in prison, and received a 10-year notification requirement under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, as well as a sexual harm prevention order lasting until 30th May 2034.
He was released from custody on 31st July 2025, to serve the rest of his sentence under licence in the community.
Panel considers risk and public confidence
The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) panel reviewed the certificate of conviction and determined there was sufficient evidence of the offences and the underlying facts. While Burningham submitted a statement expressing remorse and attributing his offending to drug addiction, the panel said there was no evidence of rehabilitation or support in place to prevent future offending.
The panel noted, “there was limited reflection on the implications for trust in the profession beyond an acceptance that it was likely that the Panel would make an order for strike off,” and added that the risk to children and the public could not be ruled out.
During the sanction hearing, the panel considered both mitigating and aggravating factors. While his previously unblemished career and expressions of remorse were noted, the panel was clear that the offences involved particularly serious material involving very young children and that he had distributed material, not just viewed it.
Finding that any lesser sanction would not be sufficient to protect the public or maintain confidence in the profession, the panel ordered that the paramedic be struck off the register, stating that this was the only appropriate decision given the gravity of the offences and ongoing risk.