A former police officer from East Somerset has received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to online child sex crimes, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on 16 April 2025.
Ex-Cop Caught in Child Sex Crimes Sting
James Gullis, 28, admitted in February to multiple charges including making indecent images of children, possessing banned images, and holding extreme pornography. He was handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
His arrest came in December 2023 after the National Crime Agency (NCA) flagged suspicious online activity. Gullis was immediately suspended pending a full investigation.
Barred for Life from Policing
At a misconduct hearing on 18 March, chaired by former Assistant Chief Constable Craig Holden, Gullis was found guilty of gross misconduct. The panel ruled he breached police standards of honesty, integrity, and conduct.
Though Gullis had resigned, the verdict confirmed he would have been dismissed had he stayed. He is now banned from ever serving in law enforcement again.
Police Furious Over Offences
“He committed horrendous crimes and we moved quickly to arrest him and suspend him from duty as soon as we became aware of his offending,” said Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall.
“The misconduct process has also ensured he will never be able to work in any law enforcement role ever again.”
Hall added, “While the public will rightly be shocked, the vast majority of our officers and staff are dedicated to the communities they serve and to keeping the public safe.”
Police Appeal for Information
Avon and Somerset Police are still investigating and urge anyone with information to get in touch. Call 101 or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk quoting reference 5223262926.
This case highlights the tough stance UK forces are taking to weed out those who abuse public trust for vile crimes.
