Police officer who is suspected of child abuse after an investigation

A serving police officer has been charged with a number of offenses under the Sexual Offenses Act.

Thomas Kettleborough, 35, an inspector at police headquarters, was arrested in July 2023 on suspicion of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence. He was interviewed and released on conditional bail. After his arrest he was suspended.

His arrest was part of a proactive police operation led by the South West Regional Organized Crime Unit (SWROCU) Online Investigations Team. This team works together with a national network of agents who tackle online crimes, including child sexual abuse and exploitation.

After further investigation, he was arrested on March 19 on suspicion of further offences.

The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorized the following charges:

• Arranging or facilitating child abuse
• Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
• Attempting to induce or incite a child to engage in sexual activity
• Five cases of sexual communication with a child
• Four charges of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child
• Attacking a first responder (police officer).

He will appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (23 October 2024).

We would like to reassure the public that we take all allegations extremely seriously and that a full criminal investigation has been swiftly launched from the outset. Our Professional Standards Department conducts a separate investigation into potential violations of standards of professional conduct – this is an internal process separate from the criminal investigation.

To protect the integrity of the ongoing criminal proceedings, we cannot discuss the allegations in more detail at this stage.

Thomas Kettleborough was involved in two voluntary organisations, the Royal Marine Cadets and the Royal Life Saving Society UK. After his arrest, we ensured that all security measures were in place. None of the crimes he is accused of relate to his volunteer work.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “We know that public confidence in the National Police remains fragile and we have a shared desire to increase the public’s confidence in us. We will continue to take decisive action and remain clear about the behavior and standards we expect from our people. If these standards are not met, we will take swift and decisive action.

“If there is an allegation that a criminal offense has been committed, 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 this investigation we worked closely with the voluntary organizations this officer was involved with, as well as the designated local authority officer, to ensure that any safety measures were prioritised.

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

If you have relevant information and would like to speak directly to specialist officers about this matter, please contact us online here: Contact Us | Avon and Somerset Police and please use reference number 5224157243. If you are unable to contact us online please call 101 and use the same reference number.