Former Wiltshire Police officer sentenced for child sex offences

Robert Gabbott admitted making and distributing indecent images of children

Published 9th Jan 2023

A retired Wiltshire Police officer has been sentenced, after admitting several child sex offences.

Robert Gabbott, from Melksham, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child, and two counts of distributing such images.

The 64-year-old was given 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He must also remain on the sex offenders register for a decade, undergo 175 hours of unpaid work and has been ordered to complete a rehabilitation course.

The offences took place after Mr Gabbott left Wiltshire Police.

'Our focus is rooting out all forms of child abuse'

Detective Sergeant Jason Walsh, from the Force's Child Internet Exploitation Team, said:

"I want our communities to be reassured that our department work tirelessly and our focus is rooting out all forms of child abuse and offending whether this is in a position of trust or not.

"We will follow the evidence found and bring offenders to justice on every occasion – with impartiality and integrity – to ensure we are doing everything in our power to safeguard children".

Officers are now urging anyone with concerns relating to the wellbeing and safeguarding of children to get in touch immediately.

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