LEE BARTRAM POLICE INSPECTOR FROM WEST BROMWICH INVOLVED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL IN WOLVERHAMPTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the West Midlands community, Lee Bartram, a police inspector based in Birmingham city centre and residing in West Bromwich, has been found guilty of possessing and distributing indecent images of children. The revelations emerged during court proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where Bartram admitted to a series of serious offenses that have tarnished his reputation and raised concerns about misconduct within law enforcement agencies.

Back in February 2019, it was revealed that Bartram had created a staggering total of 474 indecent images of minors. These images and videos were produced and shared over a period spanning from October 2011 to August of the previous year. The court heard that Bartram had downloaded and reposted these illicit materials via the social media platform Tumblr, where he maintained a folder labeled ‘Lads’ containing the images. Prosecutors detailed that Bartram had used Tumblr for a couple of years, ostensibly for hobbies such as gardening, but also accessed and viewed gay pornography, including images of children. Some of these images were saved and redistributed, indicating a clear pattern of sexual gratification derived from such material.

During the proceedings, it was also disclosed that Bartram had purchased children’s undergarments belonging to boys aged five to six, although there was no evidence of direct contact with minors. His arrest and subsequent investigation revealed a disturbing mindset; when questioned, Bartram reportedly expressed relief that his activities had been uncovered, stating he was glad it had all come to light because he was uncertain about where it might lead, including the possibility of harming a child.

In addition to his possession and distribution of child abuse images, Bartram was also charged with misconduct in public office. This charge stemmed from an incident on April 13, 2017, when he, while on duty, secretly filmed a brief five-second clip of a young boy walking in Birmingham city centre. The footage focused on the child's buttocks and legs, a clear violation of privacy and trust. The court was told that this act of misconduct was a serious breach of his professional responsibilities.

Following his arrest, West Midlands Police took swift action, dismissing Bartram in September 2018 for gross misconduct without notice. The police force publicly condemned his actions, emphasizing that his behavior had caused “horror and disgust” within the community and among colleagues.

During the court hearing, Robert Price QC, representing the prosecution, outlined the extent of Bartram’s criminal activities. He explained that Bartram had used Tumblr not only to view but also to share indecent images of children, which he had saved in a folder called ‘Lads’. The prosecutor highlighted that Bartram’s online activities spanned several years and included the consumption of gay pornography, alongside the illicit images of minors. The evidence also revealed that Bartram had purchased children’s underpants, specifically targeting boys aged five to six, although he had no direct contact with children himself.

When questioned about his actions, Bartram admitted to the court that he was glad his offending had been discovered, as he was uncertain about where his behavior might have led, including the possibility of harming a child. His sentencing included a 16-month prison term, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to register as a sex offender for ten years. Additionally, he was subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a three-month curfew from 9 pm to 6 am.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of misconduct and criminal activity among law enforcement officers, raising questions about oversight and the safeguarding of community trust. The community and authorities alike are left to grapple with the implications of such betrayal by someone entrusted with upholding the law.