Police Sergeant Busted Trying to Groom ‘12-Year-Old’ Online
James Chatfield, 36, a London-based Police Sergeant, has admitted to trying to chat up a child online. He pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 November to two counts of attempting sexual communication with a minor.
Six Months Jail—Suspended—and a Seven-Year SHPO
On Monday, Inner London Crown Court handed Chatfield a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must also comply with a strict seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The court revealed Chatfield targeted what he thought was a 12-year-old girl. Using Snapchat and Chat Avenue on 23 and 26 September 2022, he pretended to be a 17-year-old boy to lure her. He even asked for intimate photos.
Undercover Cop Exposes the Dirty Secret
But the ‘girl’ was an undercover South Wales Police officer. They reported Chatfield to British Transport Police’s Professional Standards Department after tracing his IP and discovering he was a fellow officer. Chatfield was swiftly arrested and questioned.
Top Brass Condemn the Officer’s Sick Behaviour
Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland blasted the offence: “As police officers, our duty is to protect the public, especially the vulnerable. It’s profoundly disturbing that a serving officer would exploit a child for sexual gain.”
“We are shocked and appalled by Chatfield. He does not represent our values. His disciplinary hearing will be fast-tracked early next year.”
Detective Inspector Mathew Davies from Tarian ROCU said: “We will relentlessly pursue anyone with sexual interests in children, no matter their job. Chatfield’s targeting of a 12-year-old girl, whilst posing as a teen, is especially disturbing.”
“Our specialists work tirelessly to protect children online and bring predators like Chatfield to justice.”
Chatfield’s swift arrest and sentencing send a clear message: no one is above the law when it comes to child protection—especially not the police.
