Inspector Thomas Kettleborough, 35, pleaded guilty to child sex offences after being caught in a sting operation.
He was suspected of arranging child sex crimes and was out on bail before pleading guilty. Police said Kettleborough planned to meet a “child,” but officers met him instead as part of a sting set up to catch people who target kids.
A further investigation found he had sexual chats with a child last year, in May 2023, and uncovered indecent images dating from 2019 to 2023.
Kettleborough appeared in court on Friday, February 7, and pleaded guilty to breaking laws protecting children. The court will sentence him on March 13 at the same court.
Kettleborough admitted to arranging child sex crimes, trying to have sexual chats with a child, and attempting to get a child to do sexual acts. He also admitted to sexual communication with a child, possessing indecent images of children, and making indecent images too.
Detective Inspector David Wells spoke about the case, stating that Kettleborough talked online with who he thought was a child over several days. Then, he traveled to meet this “child,” and officers arrested him at that meeting. Police looked at his phone and computer, finding more offences.
In 2023, he engaged in sexual chats with a child, and they found indecent images dating back to April 2019 until July 2023.
Wells said these offenders exploit young people, and they try to meet or abuse them. This is a horrendous situation, especially because Kettleborough held a position of trust, making his actions so much worse, as he was supposed to protect people.
Joanne Hall, an Assistant Chief Constable, stated that the officer committed awful crimes, and they suspended him immediately after learning about them. They also worked with other agencies for safety.
They could not finalize misconduct investigations until the court case ended. Securing justice came first, and now they will move quickly to ensure he never works in law enforcement again.
Hall noted most officers dedicate themselves to public service and want to keep people safe. His colleagues are horrified by his crimes and are offering support to those who need it during this time.
