Locations
Wood Close, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4
Description
ONE of Britain's most respected pilots and a former Red Arrows ace has admitted possessing indecent images of children.
Andrew Cubin MBE, 59, who now lives in Windsor, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court - which heard he has now changed his name to Andrew Lloyd.
He pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing indecent images of a child - including 48 in the most serious category.
During a 20-year career in the Royal Air Force, when he was known as Andy Cubes Cubin, he flew in the Red Arrows.
Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said Wiltshire Police launched an investigation after they received information relating to an IP address being used to upload images to the internet.
"The IP address was found to belong to an address in Malmesbury", he said.
Adding: "Officers attended the address on 17 February last year and arrested Mr Lloyd."
Speaking at the case on Tuesday Mr Ballinger said the defendant told the officers "you can take my laptop, I used that", before stating "I have removed all the images".
Various items were seized from the property in Kings Meadow, Crudwell, near Malmesbury, Wilts., including the laptop.
Forensic analysis revealed a number of indecent images of children - some were pictures and others were videos.
The court heard that 48 Category A images were found - all of which involve children engaging in penetrative sexual activity.
39 Category B images - which show non-penetrative sexual activity with a child - were discovered, and ten Category C images were also found.
He made full admissions In an interview in custody, the court heard.
In 2016 he told how and his wife battled in vain to save their tragic 14-year-old daughter who suddenly died on a sleepover.
Mr Ballinger said in interview Lloyd made reference to his daughter.
Though, defence solicitor Nicholas Wragg interjected, stating: "Is that really necessary?" - resulting in the prosecutor not continuing his summary of the custody interview.
Lloyd, now of Wood Close, Windsor, was told he must register as a sex offender at Bracknell Police Station within 72 hours.
Magistrates committed the case to Swindon Crown Court for sentence on 6 May. A pre-sentence report was ordered.
"You'll be committed to Swindon Crown Court for sentencing. These offences are so serious you need a greater punishment that we can give", the chair of the bench remarked.
Lloyd was released on unconditional bail.
He flew in the Red Arrows as Red 6, who leads the synchro pairing.
Before qualifying as a fast jet instructor, he flew Jaguars and Hawks.
The pilot boasts about having completed more than 500 display flights across the UK, where after he would meet and greet the public.
Since leaving the RAF in 2002, he has worked for some of the world's biggest airlines as a Captain, flying the Airbus A321, A320 and A319.
Lloyd also flies stunt planes for a company.
Outside of aviation, Lloyd describes himself as having an "infused a passion for photography".
On his profile, he claims to have a commercial and wedding photography business and teaches photography workshops in Wiltshire.