A man from East Sussex has been found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor over the internet.
Guildford Crown Court trial, which commenced on December 18, concluded with the conviction of Damien Gibbons, formerly known as Damien Cotgreave, aged 48 from High Street, Hailsham was charged with attempting online sexual communication with a child.
Following the misconduct findings, he has been added to the College of Policing Barred and Advisory list, effectively preventing him from re-entering law enforcement. This disciplinary action stemmed from information uncovered during the criminal investigation by the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) of Sussex Police, which began after receiving a tip from the public in February 2020.
[block_2]Gibbons was later charged in April 2021 and has now received a one-year suspended prison sentence along with a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which imposes strict restrictions on his access to children and computers.
