JONATHAN FULCHER CREDITON POLICE OFFICER ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN EXETER

In a case that has shocked the community of Crediton and the wider Exeter area, Jonathan Fulcher, a police officer who was serving in Exeter at the time, has been allowed to walk free from court despite admitting to serious child sex offences spanning over six years. The disturbing revelations emerged during proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, where Fulcher, aged 34, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children, as well as possessing ammunition without a valid firearm certificate.

Fulcher's criminal activities were committed between June 2010 and October 2016, a period during which he was a serving officer. His actions came to light during a police investigation that led to his suspension at the outset of the criminal proceedings. The court heard that Fulcher had downloaded nearly 300 images depicting child abuse, with some classified as the most severe category A images. These images were found on his personal computer, which also contained nine images in the second-highest category and 277 in the C category, indicating a wide range of illegal material.

During the hearing, the prosecution revealed that some of the images were produced during online chats with young girls, who may have posed erotically during these conversations. Fulcher denied attempting to cause a child to watch him perform a sexual act, but the Crown Prosecution Service indicated they would consider whether to proceed with that particular charge, requesting 14 days to make a decision. The judge, Geoffrey Mercer, granted Fulcher bail but emphasized that this was not a reflection of any leniency in sentencing.

In a separate but related matter, Fulcher also admitted to possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate and possessing PAVA incapacitating spray. The court sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Additionally, Fulcher was placed on the sex offenders register, marking the legal consequences of his actions.

Following the court proceedings, a Special Case Hearing was convened before Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer in July of the same year. During this hearing, Fulcher was dismissed from the police service without notice, reflecting the serious nature of his misconduct. Despite his guilty pleas and the evidence presented, Fulcher was handed a relatively lenient sentence, which has sparked outrage among community members and advocacy groups concerned about the safety of children and the integrity of law enforcement.

Fulcher's case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by police departments in maintaining public trust and ensuring that officers who commit crimes are held accountable. His actions, which have now led to his dismissal and inclusion on the sex offenders register, serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and rigorous oversight within law enforcement agencies.