Active police officer charged with multiple sex crimes against children

22 October 2024, 09:43

A serving police officer has been charged with a number of sexual offenses against children.

Thomas Kettleborough, 35, a detective inspector with Avon and Somerset Police, was arrested in July 2023 on suspicion of multiple child sex offenses and is due to appear in court tomorrow.

After his arrest, he was released on bail and suspended from duty.

Earlier this year, Kettleborough was arrested again on suspicion of further offences.

Assistant Chief Constable Joan Hall said: “We know that public confidence in policing remains fragile nationally and we have a shared desire to increase public confidence in us.

“We will continue to take decisive action and be clear about the behavior and standards we expect from our employees. If these standards are not met, we will take swift and decisive action.

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“Where there is an allegation of a criminal offence, a thorough investigation will always be carried out and, if there is sufficient evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service will be asked to consider criminal charges.

“Throughout the investigation we have worked closely with the community organizations this officer was involved with, as well as the designated local authority officer, to ensure any safety measures were prioritized.

“It is important to reiterate that the vast majority of our officers and staff are dedicated to public service and keeping our communities safe.”

The police officer was charged with a number of charges including; Organizing or facilitating the commission of a crime of a sexual nature against children, attempting to have sexual intercourse with a child. attempting to provoke or induce a child to engage in sexual conduct, five counts of sexual communication with a child, four counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child and assault on an emergency worker.

Mr Kettleborough was involved with two voluntary organisations, the Royal Sea Cadets and the Royal Life Saving Society of Great Britain.

The alleged offenses are not related to these voluntary roles.

Police have asked anyone with further information about Mr Kettleborough to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 5224157243.