Former Thames Valley Police officer sentenced

A former Thames Valley Police sergeant has been sentenced after he was convicted of a child sex offence in Wokingham.

Cerrig Shardlow, aged 46, who was based at Slough police station, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child in a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on 2 May.

Returning to the same court, Shardlow was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for a period of seven years.

On 31 May 2022, Shardlow attempted to communicate with a person whom he believed was under 16 for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.

He did not reasonably believe this person to be over 16 and asked the individual about their sexual experiences and physical appearance.

He was arrested on 9 June 2022 and was immediately suspended from duty.

Following an investigation, Shardlow was charged on 3 March 2023.

Unacceptable

Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said:

“It is completely unacceptable for a police officer to commit such serious crimes and breach the Standards of Professional Behaviour in this manner.

“We are absolutely committed to rooting out any members of our workforce who commit crimes of this nature and who fall short of our high expectations.

“There is no place in Thames Valley Police for officers who commit criminal offences such as this.

“The former office resigned the day before an accelerated misconduct hearing in August 2023 was due to commence, but had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice.

“He will also be on the College of Policing’s barred list, meaning he will never be able to work in policing again.

“I hope that this outcome goes some way to reassuring the public that we will not tolerate any criminal activity within our force.”

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