Ex Bedfordshire Police officer targeted 'vulnerable girls' on social media
Elliot Wright, 29, from Henlow, tried to pay the teenagers for explicit images
A former Bedfordshire Police officer has been sentenced to 42 months in prison after targeting vulnerable teenage girls on social media for sexual exploitation.
Elliot Wright, 29, from Henlow, Bedfordshire, was an officer with the Roads Policing Unit when he arranged to meet a teenage girl, subject to a deprivation of liberty order, on 21 March 2024. After finishing his shift, he met the girl from Hertfordshire, who had been placed in a care home for her own safety.
Care home staff alerted the police when they saw the girl getting into a car, which led to Wright’s arrest a short time later near his home in Bedfordshire. The victim told officers that Wright had asked her to delete his messages before his arrest.
An investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary uncovered further victims, including a 16-year-old girl to whom Wright had paid money in exchange for sexual images. It was revealed that he knew she was vulnerable and often in need of money. On one occasion, he offered her £3 for images.
Wright was suspended by Bedfordshire Police following his arrest, had his vetting removed, and was dismissed from the force in July 2024. He later pleaded guilty to several offences, including three counts of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, arranging the sexual exploitation of a child, abduction of a child in care, paying for the sexual services of a child, and perverting the course of justice. A charge of misconduct in public office was ordered to remain on file.
At St Albans Crown Court, Wright was sentenced by a High Court judge to serve 42 months, with half of the sentence to be spent in prison and the remainder on licence. He was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Inspector Fay Tooley of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Safeguarding Command commented on the case, praising the bravery of the victims. "Both victims have been incredibly brave and co-operative throughout this difficult period. They have been supported by specialist child sexual exploitation officers throughout the investigation."
DI Tooley further stated, "Elliot Wright has brought shame on the policing profession. His victims needed help and support, and he offered the opposite. Wright exploited their vulnerability for his own sexual gratification and abused his position of trust."
If you are affected by this story, you can report information online, speak to an operator in Bedfordshire Police's Force Communications Room via their online web chat or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
In addition, anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.
The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.
To contact Herts SARC, call 0330 223 0099 or visit the website.