A PERVERT, who worked as head of legal services at Hertfordshire County Council, has today (Monday) admitted making and possessing more than 5,700 indecent images of children.

Andrew Laycock, who was the county council’s legal chief until October 2009, amassed the sick stash of child abuse images while he worked for the authority.

Laycock, 58, of Mandeville Road, Hertford, pleaded guilty to 18 charges relating to the images at St Albans Crown Court on Monday.

The list of charges against the paedophile included 17 counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possession of more than 5,700 indecent images, during June last year.

Laycock will be sentenced on April 19.

CPS prosecutor Robbie Weber said: “Mr Laycock, who is now retired, had previously held the role of head of legal services at Hertfordshire County Council, until October 2009.

“His crimes commenced while he worked for the council, however, there is no evidence to suggest that any of the offences were committed while he was at work.

“The defendant’s home computer was seized as part of the investigation and thoroughly analysed, using the latest computer technology.”

He added: “Laycock realised how strong the evidence was against him and has today admitted his crimes before the court.

“He will be brought back in due course for sentencing for these offences.

“The police and CPS will robustly investigate and prosecute anyone who commits crimes involving child abuse images.”