London Cop Caught Grooming a Child Online
Police Sergeant James Chatfield Arrested
James Chatfield, 36, a serving police sergeant in London, has pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. The shocking confession came at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.
Chatfield faces sentencing at Southwark Crown Court in the coming weeks.
Grooming Attempt on Snapchat and Chat Avenue
In September 2022, Chatfield used Snapchat and Chat Avenue to target who he thought was a 12-year-old girl. He shamelessly asked her to send intimate photos.
Unbeknownst to him, the “child” was actually an undercover police officer. A quick check on his IP address revealed he was a police officer himself, sparking a full investigation.
British Transport Police Outraged
Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland slammed Chatfield’s behaviour: “As police officers, our duty is to protect the vulnerable from harm. It is profoundly disturbing that a serving officer would exploit a child for their own sexual gain.”
“We are all truly shocked and appalled by Chatfield’s actions. He does not represent our values. Now criminally convicted, we will fast-track his disciplinary proceedings without delay.”
He added: “Thanks to a swift, thorough investigation by our Professional Standards Department, Chatfield was arrested and charged within two months of these abhorrent crimes.”
