CHRISTOPHER GROOM FROM MALTON INVOLVED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of North Yorkshire, Christopher Groom, a former police officer from Malton, has been found to possess an alarming number of indecent images of children. Over a span of seven years, Groom downloaded nearly 9,000 such images, raising serious concerns about his conduct and the safety of vulnerable minors.

Authorities uncovered a total of 8,707 indecent photographs on devices seized from Groom's residence, which included both a mobile phone and a laptop. The investigation revealed that Groom, who previously served as a response officer in the Hambleton and Richmond areas, had been engaged in this illicit activity from 2014 until 2021.

Following his arrest, Groom resigned from North Yorkshire Police, a move that underscored the gravity of his actions. In May, he pleaded guilty to charges of making indecent images of children, acknowledging his involvement in the creation and possession of such material. His guilty plea came before Leeds Magistrates' Court, where the proceedings highlighted the severity of his offenses.

Despite the serious nature of the case, Groom was not sentenced to prison. Instead, he received an 18-month community order, which requires him to adhere to specific conditions and remain under supervision. As part of his sentence, Groom is mandated to complete 30 days of rehabilitation with Safer Lives, an organization dedicated to preventing sexual harm, and to perform 150 hours of unpaid community service.

In addition to his community order, Groom has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years. He is also subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which imposes restrictions aimed at safeguarding the public and preventing any further offending behavior. Groom's case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals from harm.