A FORMER Cunard worker has pleaded guilty to the taking, making and possessing of indecent images of children and the sexual assault of thirteen children, most of whom were under 13.

In a statement released on behalf of the investigating officer, Detective Inspector Nicki Davey said: “Today at Swindon Crown Court, Paul Michael Trotter pleaded guilty to the taking, making and possessing of indecent images of children and the sexual assault of thirteen children, most of whom were under the age of 13 years at the time.

"In August 2011 Wiltshire’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit received intelligence which highlighted that Paul Trotter, a Wiltshire resident at the time, was in possession of indecent images of children.

"The contents of his computer were examined and revealed that he had filmed himself abusing children in his care. Many of these films were made on board three cruise ships, operated by Cunard, where Trotter was employed in the children’s play zone area. He also possessed other indecent images of children obtained online.

"With the co-operation of Cunard, a great deal of work went into identifying the children to allow us to inform their parents. Wiltshire’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit has fully supported parents throughout this investigation with the assistance of the NSPCC.

"Paul Trotter worked in a position of trust with children. He has abused the trust placed in him by the children and their parents.

"His admission of the charges will mean that the families do not have to experience the distress of a trial. We would like to acknowledge their co-operation and understanding following our visits to them.”

Trotter will be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on May 11.