A NURSE who kept explicit images of teenagers and animals on his computer could be banned from working in hospitals for good after pleading guilty to making and possessing indecent pornographic images.

Richard David Hewson, of Ulverston Road, Dalton, appeared before the bench for sentencing at Preston Crown Court on Monday, January 30.

The 41-year-old, who previously worked at Barrow's Furness General Hospital, was given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years, a 40-day community order and was ordered to forfeit all electronic devices save his mobile phone.

He was also ordered to pay court costs of £800 at £75 a month and issued with a three month electronic curfew.

Hewson had been registered to work as an adult nurse since 2004.

But he is now under investigation by the UK's nursing regulator; the Nursing and Midwifery Council while suspended from practicing for 18 months.

Experts within the NMC will summon him to attend a fitness to practice hearing once their inquiries have been completed.

Hewson then faces being permanently struck of the NMC register.

A spokesman for the NMC said the investigation was in its 'early stages'.

They added: "The panel will review the interim suspension order at a review meeting within the next six months and every three months after that."

Sue Smith, executive chief nurse at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, the organisation in charge of FGH, confirmed Hewson is no longer an employee.

Mrs Smith said: "The individual has not worked at the trust for some time, and remains subject to an interim suspension order from the Nursing and Midwifery Council."