A former Bedfordshire Police inspector has been jailed for 30 months after admitting to carrying out online child sexual offences.
Today (Wednesday), John Nichols, 51, of Bedford, was handed a custodial sentence for his offences which were uncovered following a covert online investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.
Nichols had pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court by video link on 27 July to attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence and making an indecent photograph of a child.
He was then bailed pending sentencing at Inner London Crown Court today.
He was jailed for attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence and four months to be served concurrently for making an indecent photograph.
He will also be made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
“As a senior leader in policing, nothing could disappoint me more than the thought of an officer, whose very role is to protect the vulnerable, committing such vile offences,” said Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Sharn Basra said.
“We know the public’s trust in policing nationally has been damaged over recent years, this appalling case only serves to impact this further.
“For this, I can only apologise and assure all our communities that the police service is fully committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who commit crime, whoever they may be.
ACC Basra confirmed that Nichols had been immediately removed from all duties as soon as the offences came to light. He was then retired from the force prior to his first hearing.
Even though Nichols is no longer a serving police officer, the force will be “immediately progressing fast-track internal misconduct proceedings against him,” said ACC Basra
Victim support
The case has led Bedfordshire Police to issue a reminder that it has a dedicated Protecting Vulnerable People department and Internet Child Abuse Investigation Team.
These teams are both committed to the full and robust investigation of abuse against children and making sure the effective support of victims.
The force is also committed to tackling Male Violence Against Women and Girls (MVAWG) as well as the vulnerable across society.
For more information on what they are doing to tackle perpetrators of violent and sexual offences, visit their website.
If you have been a victim of childhood abuse, you can receive support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and partner agencies, as well as support through the criminal investigation process.
Reports of abuse, even if non-recent, can be made to the police by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
There is also free confidential support through the Bedfordshire Victim Care Service, whether it has been reported to the police or not, and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred.
Contact 0800 0282887 or visit BVCS for further information.
