Former States psychiatrist admits to indecent images offences

Appearing before the Royal Court, Dr Gregory Lydall, 44, pleaded guilty to a total of 11 counts, seven of which related to making indecent images of children either under, or apparently under, the age of 16.

He admitted a further four counts of possessing indecent images.

A Health & Social Care spokesperson confirmed the psychiatrist had been employed by HSC at the time the offences came to light.

‘The Committee for Health & Social Care wishes to express its sadness and disappointment that a former employee has been convicted of charges of this nature,’ the spokesperson said.

‘The committee also wishes to express its gratitude to Guernsey Police. These are clearly shocking offences and we realise there will be patients and former patients, as well as friends and colleagues of Greg Lydall who will be feeling deeply distressed and betrayed. The Committee for Health & Social Care shares those feelings. Greg Lydall worked in a position of trust. The nature and severity of his offences and his deception is difficult to come to terms with.’

Most of the images involved in the making charges were of the lowest category of severity, level one.

There was one of level five, the highest category, with the rest at levels three and four.

One possession charge related to more than 4,000 indecent pseudo-photographs of a child under, or apparently under, the age of 16.

The spokesperson said it was not believed there was any risk to patients during his employment.

‘At no time during his employment with HSC did he have professional contact with any person under 18 in the course of his duties,’ they said.

‘Immediately, upon learning of the allegations, HSC ensured Greg Lydall had no further contact with any patients. However we realise none of that makes the crimes committed by Greg Lydall any less serious or distressing. We simply seek to provide assurance that HSC acted swiftly and appropriately after becoming aware of the matter and is not aware of any concern that the offences with which he has been convicted have involved HSC service users or were committed in the course of his professional duties whilst working for HSC.’

HSC has offered to support to any patients or former patients who have concerns about aspects of their professional care provided by Lydall during his employment with HSC.

A dedicated confidential helpline - 707666 - has been set up.

‘We also want to support our staff who worked alongside Greg Lydall and who will find the details of the court proceedings extremely upsetting, and we have made them aware of how they can access support within the service,’ the spokesperson said.

‘This is a difficult time for our team, as it will be for patients and the community. The Committee for Health & Social Care is committed to supporting those affected by this case as best we can.’

The matter has been adjourned for reports to be prepared and sentencing is set to take place in October.