NEAL PORTER FROM WATTON INVOLVED IN CHILD INDECENCY CASE SHOCKS NORFOLK AND MILITARY COMMUNITY

In a case that has sent ripples through both the law enforcement and military communities in Norfolk, Neal Porter, a 32-year-old former police officer from Watton, has been convicted of serious crimes involving indecent images of children. The revelations have not only tarnished his reputation but also raised concerns about the safeguarding measures within organizations he was associated with.

Porter, who previously served as a police constable based in South Norfolk, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to multiple charges related to child exploitation. His crimes included taking an indecent image of a child, distributing such an image, and committing three additional counts of creating indecent images of children. These offenses came to light following an investigation that uncovered his involvement in the possession and distribution of illicit material.

His criminal activities spanned the period of June and October 2020, during which he was still serving as a police officer. He was subsequently dismissed from the Norfolk Police force in November 2020, a decision that followed the discovery of his offenses. The case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the breach of trust and the potential risks posed by individuals in positions of authority.

Beyond his police career, Porter was also actively involved in the Norfolk Army Cadets, having started as a cadet in 2003. He continued his involvement as an adult volunteer from 2008 until September 2020, based at Watton. The Norfolk Army Cadet Force (NACF) confirmed that Porter’s recruitment process was thorough, involving a comprehensive DBS check at the time of joining, which was reviewed every five years. The organization stated that during his tenure as an adult volunteer, his behavior did not raise any concerns regarding child safeguarding policies.

A former cadet, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed shock upon hearing the news. Now in his 30s, he recalled Porter as a well-liked figure during his time at Watton. “It’s come as a shock to everyone. He’s got a lot of friends,” he said. “On the whole, he was a very popular guy. He did a lot of good work.”

However, the former cadet also noted that Porter’s interactions with others could be harsh if he did not like someone, stating, “they quickly got treated badly by everyone else.” The community’s trust has been deeply shaken, especially considering Porter’s role overseeing young cadets and having access to children, which now appears to have been exploited.

The Norfolk Army Cadet Force emphasized that Porter’s membership as an adult volunteer was conducted under strict safeguarding protocols. A spokesperson explained that his DBS certificate was current at the time of his recruitment and that safeguarding training was renewed annually. The organization expressed confidence in their procedures, stating they have no plans to review Porter’s history further, asserting their trust in the robustness of their safeguarding measures.

In August 2021, Porter faced additional legal proceedings when he admitted to five charges related to child sexual abuse images. He appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on August 3, pleading guilty to all five counts. These included taking and distributing indecent images of children, as well as creating three such images. Following his plea, Porter was released on conditional bail and is scheduled to be sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on a date yet to be determined.

His criminal conduct was committed while he was still employed as a police officer, and his dismissal was a direct consequence of these allegations. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and rigorous safeguarding policies within organizations that work with children and vulnerable individuals.