Former Warwickshire Police officer admits child sexual offences
He'll be sentenced in September.
A former Warwickshire Police officer's admitted to indecent assault offences committed in the 1980s, following an investigation by the force.
David Surridge was a special Constable at the time of the offences and later went on to become a regular officer. He appeared at Warwick Crown Court on 12 August where he pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assaults against a teenage girl when she aged between 13-16.
The victim met Surridge when she moved to a house near to him in Warwick.
The suspect began to groom her; he brought her gifts and alcohol and would take her for days out. This quickly progressed to sexual abuse.
The victim reported the offending in 2022 after watching a television programme about grooming. In interview, she told officers that up until this point she had blamed herself for what had happened but now realised she was in fact a victim.
Surridge, 70, currently of New Green Park, Coventry was bailed to appear at Warwick Crown Court for sentencing on 27 September.
Detective Constable Heather Webb, who led the investigation, said: “My thoughts are with the victim who has shown great bravery in reporting her ordeal after so much time has passed. I hope she can take some comfort from this guilty plea.
“Like many victims of grooming she blamed herself for what happened. To be clear if you are a victim of sexual abuse, you are never to blame and there are people who will listen to you and offer support.
“As soon as the offending was reported to us, we launched a thorough investigation and ensured support was put in place for the victim.”