Ex-Police Trainee Jailed for Sick Child Sex Crimes
Jason Hicks, 31, who was training to become a Devon and Cornwall police officer, has been sentenced today at Exeter Crown Court for horrific child sex offences. He persuaded a nine-year-old girl to send explicit photos and tried targeting four other children online.
Shocking Discovery Halts Police Career
While still in training school and yet to carry out any public duties, Hicks was arrested after his crimes came to light. A police raid on his Bishopsteignton home uncovered over 1,200 indecent images and videos of children on various devices, some featuring victims as young as eight, including 127 Category A images.
Hicks admitted to a string of offences dating back to 2012, including sexual contact and incitement with the nine-year-old from the South West. He groomed her by posing as a teenage boy on TikTok and Snapchat, exchanging explicit messages before the victim’s parents alerted the police.
Multiple Charges and International Victims
- Guilty of 13 charges including sexual contact, incitement, and taking indecent photographs of children.
- Connected to four other attempted sexual communications with children believed to be aged 11-13.
- Investigations traced some victims’ IP addresses to the US, Sweden, and Yorkshire, but they remain unidentified.
Swift Action by Police and Strong Sentencing
Hicks was immediately suspended and dismissed without notice in February 2022. He’s now on the College of Policing’s Barred List.
The judge handed down a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Hicks will serve at least four years in prison before possibly serving another three years on licence. All his digital devices were ordered to be destroyed.
“We note and welcome Jason Hicks’s sentencing today for what are despicable offences,” said Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker. “We commend the bravery of the young victim and her family for coming forward.”
“Hicks’ actions were completely wrong and illegal, and he is now facing the consequences. Our Paedophile Online Investigation Team acted swiftly, and we remain committed to bringing all offenders to justice.”
Detective Inspector Simon Foster added, “Our team relentlessly pursues offenders regardless of their position. This conviction demonstrates our dedication to safeguarding children in Devon and Cornwall.”
District Crown Prosecutor David Barnes said, “Hicks used social media to pretend to be a teen boy and groom young girls, including a nine-year-old. This strong prosecution sends a clear message: women and girls have the right to be safe online.”
This case is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and the crucial role of vigilant policing to protect vulnerable children from predators—even those training to serve and protect.
