January 2015 Bedfordshire policeman jailed for eight months for making indecent images of children A serving police officer has been jailed for eight months after a court was told he downloaded child abuse images onto his home computer. Paul Henry, an officer with Bedfordshire Police, was caught after police raided his Donington home in April last year. Katrina Wilson, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court: “The defendant is of previous good character and in fact since 2004 he has been a serving police officer with Bedfordshire Police. “His offending came to light following the police becoming aware of online conversations between an adult male posing as a female and a user of the internet at this defendant’s home address.” Henry’s computer was seized and investigations showed he had downloaded a total of 107 indecent photographs and films depicting children as young as seven years old. An illegal extreme pornographic image showing bestiality was also found on his computer. Henry (43), formerly of Quadring Road, Donington, but now living in the Peterborough area, admitted eight charges of making an indecent image of a child. He also admitted a further charge of possession of extreme pornography. The offences took place on dates between January 1, 2012 and April, 30 2015. He was jailed for eight months and given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order restricting his computer use after his release. He was also barred from working with children. Judge Michael Heath, passing sentence, told him “You of all people should know that in the making of these images that you downloaded children are abused and they suffer lasting and incalculable harm as a result of that abuse all done for the sexual gratification of people like you. “I cannot draw back from immediate custody in this case. It gives me no pleasure to pass a custodial sentence on a serving police officer but I have no option.” Andrew Cogan, defending, said “The images include moving images and there is a clear abuse of trust simply because of Mr Henry’s occupation as a police officer.” Mr Cogan said that since his arrest Henry’s marriage has ended and he now lives with his elderly father. “He knows there is absolutely no chance of any reconciliation with his wife. “He is desperately remorseful and has asked me to say that he cannot apologise enough for what he has done.” December 2015 Bedfordshire policeman admits child abuse images offences A police officer was today (Thursday) warned he could face a jail sentence after admitting child abuse images offences when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court. PC Paul Henry (42), an officer with Bedfordshire Police, pleaded guilty to eight charges of making an indecent image of a child. He also admitted a further charge of possession of extreme pornography. The offences took place on dates between January 1, 2012 and April 30, 2015. Henry, of Quadring Road, Donington, was bailed to appear for sentence in January. Judge Michael Heath, in granting bail, told him: “The fact that you are granted bail today does not mean you won’t go to prison when you come to be sentenced. All options are open.”