SHREWSBURY PCSO DERRIN TOMLINSON SENTENCED OVER 11 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE AND BESTIALITY CRIMES

In a case that has shocked the community of Shrewsbury, Derren Tomlinson, a police community support officer who was once regarded as a trusted figure within the local law enforcement community, has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison for a series of heinous sex offences. The offences include the rape of a young girl under the age of 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, and an appalling act of bestiality involving a dog.

Tomlinson, aged 44 and residing on Riverdale Road in Shrewsbury, admitted to these serious charges during an earlier court hearing. The court was informed that he had pleaded guilty to the charge of raping a girl under 13, as well as to sexual assault involving a minor of the same age. Additionally, he confessed to engaging in sexual acts with an animal, specifically a dog, which is considered a grave violation of animal and human rights.

The sentencing took place at Shrewsbury Crown Court, where Judge Robin Onions delivered a stern judgment. The judge emphasized the profound harm caused by Tomlinson’s actions, describing it as “immeasurable,” and pointed out that the offences appeared to have been carefully planned. Judge Onions expressed concern that Tomlinson had demonstrated an inability to control his impulses and posed a significant risk of reoffending in the future.

Despite his role as a PCSO, which is a position of trust and responsibility within the community, the judge made it clear that these criminal acts bore no connection to his professional duties. In fact, Judge Onions stated that Tomlinson’s crimes rendered him “utterly unsuited to being a PCSO,” highlighting the stark contrast between his public role and his private actions.

The offences occurred in October of the previous year, and the case took a disturbing turn when forensic examination of Tomlinson’s mobile phone revealed images and videos depicting him engaging in sexual acts with a child, as well as explicit material involving a dog. These findings came to light after Tomlinson was initially arrested on November 13, 2015, on unrelated charges. During the investigation, authorities seized his phone and discovered the incriminating evidence.

Following this discovery, Tomlinson was re-arrested on November 23, 2015. During police interviews, he chose to remain silent, offering no comment. Subsequently, he was suspended from his duties as a PCSO with West Mercia Police on November 25, 2015.

Throughout the proceedings, the court noted that Tomlinson exhibited some remorse; however, Judge Onions remarked that he appeared to feel more sorry for himself than for the victims or the gravity of his crimes. The judge also observed that Tomlinson’s time in custody was extremely distressing for him, especially given his role in the community, which made the detention environment particularly intimidating. Initially placed in isolation, Tomlinson found the experience to be “that bit more terrifying,” according to reports.

In sentencing, Judge Onions imposed concurrent terms: 11 years and four months for the child rape, four years for the sexual assault, and an additional 12 months for the bestiality offence. His license was extended by four years and eight months, reflecting the severity of his crimes. Furthermore, Tomlinson was permanently banned from working with children, placed under a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and added to both the children and adults barred list, ensuring he would be restricted from working with vulnerable populations for the foreseeable future.