Serving Hertfordshire Police officer charged with number of child sex offences
He appeared at court yesterday (15 November)
A serving Hertfordshire Police officer appeared at court on Monday (15 November) charged with a number of child sexual abuse offences.
Following an independent investigation by officers in Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit, James Ford was charged with assault of a girl under 13 by touching, assault of a girl under 13 by penetration, two charges of rape of a girl aged under 13 and a final charge of committing an act or series of acts to pervert the course of justice.
The 30 year-old, who is an intervention officer based in East Herts, was released on bail until 29 November when he is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing.
He has been suspended since 22 October and has just under two years’ service with the force.
Deputy Chief Constable Bill Jephson said:
“I am deeply concerned that a serving Hertfordshire officer has been charged with such serious offences.
“I also fully recognise that members of the public will also be concerned by this news; however we now need to let criminal proceedings take place and avoid any speculation that could impede the case as it progresses through the court system.”