A serving police officer has been jailed for eight months after a court was told he downloaded child pornography onto his home computer.
Paul Henry, an officer with Bedfordshire Police, was caught after police raided his Donington home in April last year.
Today Katrina Wilson, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court: “The defendant is of previous good character and in fact since 2004 he has been a serving police officer with Bedfordshire Police.
“His offending came to light following the police becoming aware of online conversations between an adult male posing as a female and a user of the internet at this defendant’s home address.”
Henry’s computer was seized and investigations showed he had downloaded a total of 107 indecent photographs and films depicting children as young as seven years old.
An illegal extreme pornographic image showing bestiality was also found on his computer.
Henry (43), formerly of Quadring Road, Donington, but now living in the Peterborough area, admitted eight charges of making an indecent image of a child.
He also admitted a further charge of possession of extreme pornography.
The offences took place on dates between January 1, 2012 and April, 30 2015.
He was jailed for eight months and given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order restricting his computer use after his release. He was also barred from working with children.
Judge Michael Heath, passing sentence, told him “You of all people should know that in the making of these images that you downloaded children are abused and they suffer lasting and incalculable harm as a result of that abuse all done for the sexual gratification of people like you.
“I cannot draw back from immediate custody in this case. It gives me no pleasure to pass a custodial sentence on a serving police officer but I have no option.”
Andrew Cogan, defending, said “The images include moving images and there is a clear abuse of trust simply because of Mr Henry’s occupation as a police officer.”
Mr Cogan said that since his arrest Henry’s marriage has ended and he now lives with his elderly father.
“He knows there is absolutely no chance of any reconciliation with his wife.
“He is desperately remorseful and has asked me to say that he cannot apologise enough for what he has done.”
Speaking after the case, DS Vicky Midgley from the Internet Child Abuse Team said: “We will not tolerate indecent images of children and that is an important message to highlight to the county.
“We will work meticulously to put every piece of evidence together to present a robust case before the courts.
“If you suspect anyone of making or possessing indecent images, I urge you to report it, and help us to stamp out this illegal activity.”
