By Charlotte Webster-
A former Humberside Police officer has been jailed for 15 months for child sex offences.
Richard Cammidge, 41, (pictured)had previously pleaded guilty to engaging and attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child, making an indecent photograph of a child and failure to comply with a section 49 notice to disclose the key to protected information.
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The former police constable was also handed a sexual harm prevention order when he appeared at Hull Crown Court on Friday (June 23).
Cammidge, based in Bridlington, was arrested at his home address in November 2021 and immediately suspended following information received of the child sex offences.
Computers and telephone devices were seized, leading to the discovery of the sexual communications and photograph. However, Cammidge refused to provide officers with the PIN to unlock his iPhone, so it was not possible to access data contained on it.
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Deputy Chief Constable Paul Anderson said: “Richard Cammidge’s actions were inexcusable and utterly appalling.
“Any sexual offence committed against another person is horrifying, but committing these abhorrent crimes as a police officer and against a child is absolutely deplorable.
“We are here to protect the vulnerable in our society and make them feel safe, two aspects of policing that Cammidge quite clearly disregarded to allow for his own perversities.
“We will not allow those that bring policing into disrepute, and undermine the good work our officers and staff carry out on a daily basis, to be in policing or to get away with any form of criminality.
“Action is being taken and will continue, to ensure individuals are rooted out and to allow the public to have confidence and trust in their police force.”
A referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and an investigation commenced by the force’s Anti-Corruption Unit with direction from the IOPC.
Cammidge resigned before an accelerated misconduct hearing was heard, in private to protect the criminal investigation, where the panel chair found his actions amounted to gross misconduct and had he not already resigned, would have been immediately dismissed. He will also be placed on the College of Policing Barred list.
On conclusion of the investigation, the IOPC referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service in September 2022, which authorised charges of: making an indecent photograph of a child; failing to comply with a section 49 notice to disclose the key to protected information; engaging in sexual communication with a child; and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
“We established that between May 2018 and October 2021, the former officer engaged in sexual communication via online platforms with children,” said the IOPC.
“It was established that Cammidge initiated a conversation of a sexual nature with a young girl. A computer seized from Cammidge’s address, contained a Category C indecent image from the same child.
“Following his arrest, Cammidge refused to provide a PIN for his mobile phone when asked by investigators, meaning it was not possible to access data contained on it. The officer therefore failed to comply with a section 49 notice to disclose the key to protected information.”
IOPC Director of Major Investigations Steve Noonan said: “PC Cammidge’s actions were abhorrent in sexually communicating with someone he believed to be a child on numerous occasions.
“His refusal to allow investigators access to his iPhone, despite being required to do so by law, shows how he tried to disrupt the investigation and evade facing consequences for his actions.
“He has rightly received a prison sentence for his appalling behaviour which significantly undermines the public confidence in policing.
“Our involvement ensured independent oversight of this sensitive investigation and I am grateful to Humberside Police’s counter-corruption unit for their efforts in holding this former officer accountable for his actions.”
Shockwaves
The case of a former police officer being jailed for child sex offences has sent shockwaves through the community and raised critical concerns about trust, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals. This article explores the profound impact of such cases on society, the justice system, and the victims involved. It also delves into the importance of maintaining public trust in law enforcement agencies and the urgent need for effective measures to prevent, detect, and address misconduct within their ranks.
The conviction conviction and sentencing for child sex offences, undermines the fundamental trust that society places in law enforcement agencies. Police officers are expected to uphold the law, protect communities, and serve as role models. The revelation of their involvement in heinous crimes strikes at the very heart of public confidence, casting doubt on the integrity and moral character of the entire profession.
Impact on Victims Of Child Sex Offences
The impact on the victims of child sex offences perpetrated by a former police officer cannot be overstated. Survivors face a double-edged betrayal: not only were they violated by an individual in a position of power and authority, but that person was also entrusted with protecting them and ensuring their safety. The emotional, psychological, and physical trauma experienced by these victims is immense, requiring comprehensive support, therapy, and a safe environment to begin the healing process.
Social Worker Hortensia Daniels old The Eye Of Media.Com: ”The case of a former police officer convicted of child sex offences highlights the need for robust measures to prevent and detect misconduct within law enforcement agencies. crucial The establish rigorous recruitment processes, comprehensive background checks, and ongoing monitoring of officers’ behaviour and conduct.
”Implementing strict protocols and policies that protect vulnerable individuals and encourage whistleblowing can help create a culture of accountability and integrity within police forces”.
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