December 2016 Retired MET police officer jailed for sexual offences A former police officer has been jailed for a series of sexual assaults against young girls.  James Belam, 73 (08.01.43) of Chingford, a retired Met officer, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment on Thursday, 1 December for a number of sexual offences that began in the mid-80s and continued until at least August 2015. He admitted the offences – which spanned a period of more than 30 years – at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 4 November.  Belam worked as a police constable on Waltham Forest Borough before his retirement. It is not believed that any of the offences were committed whilst he was on-duty. Belam was arrested after one of his victims disclosed that she had been abused by him in August 2015. Following his arrest, other victims contacted police and accused Belam of similar offences.  Belam pleaded guilty to the following offences:  – Count 1: Assault on a girl under 13 by touching on 22 August 2015. – Count 2: Assault on a girl under 13 by touching on 22 August 2015. – Count 3: Assault on a girl under 13 by touching between 30 June 2007 and 1 August 2007 – Count 4: Indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years between 27 February 2001 and 26 February 2004. – Count 5: Indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years between 27 February 2001 and 26 February 2004. – Count 6: Indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years between 27 February 2003 and 26 February 2004. – Count 7: Indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years between 14 April 1983 and 13 April 1985. – Count 8: Incite a girl under 14 years to commit an act of gross indecency between 14 April 1983 and 13 April 1985.