LEAMINGTON SPA EX-POLICE OFFICER ROBERT TEDDS SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES OFFENCES IN WARWICKSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Leamington Spa and the wider Warwickshire area, former police officer Robert Tedds has been sentenced for serious offences involving the creation and distribution of indecent images of children, as well as acts of public decency. Tedds, who served in the police force for over three decades before retiring in 2011, saw his career come to a devastating end following his criminal actions during a brief period in 2013.

According to court proceedings, Tedds, aged 58 at the time, engaged in a series of disturbing activities over a span of three weeks between May and June of that year. While still employed in a civilian capacity within Warwickshire Police’s firearms licensing unit, he also performed some part-time driving duties for senior officers. His actions, however, starkly contrasted with his previous reputation as a long-serving officer with a clean record.

The criminal conduct came to light after a vigilant member of the public observed Tedds at a petrol station in Leamington Spa taking a photograph up the skirt of a customer. This incident occurred on June 10, and the witness promptly reported it to staff. An investigation ensued, and CCTV footage from the petrol station revealed that Tedds had taken similar photographs on five separate occasions, using his mobile phone at various locations, including a petrol station, an office environment, inside a car, and on a train.

Further examination of Tedds’ mobile devices uncovered a disturbing collection of images and videos. Police seized two mobile phones and a computer hard drive during the investigation. On one of the phones, authorities discovered multiple images depicting similar indecent acts, some of which were taken in private settings. The forensic analysis also revealed a video of a naked teenage girl, filmed by Tedds in June, which he subsequently deleted on the same day. However, investigators managed to recover the deleted footage from the phone’s cache, and evidence indicated that Tedds had deliberately set up the camera at a specific angle to capture the footage.

In addition to the visual evidence, police found that Tedds had visited websites related to “upskirts and school skirts,” further indicating his inappropriate interests. The investigation also uncovered that Tedds had set up his devices to record at various locations, demonstrating a pattern of voyeuristic behavior.

During the court hearing at Worcester Crown Court, William Rickarby, prosecuting, detailed the extent of Tedds’ offending. The case was made more serious by the fact that Tedds had asked for ten additional counts of outraging public decency to be considered by the court. His behaviour was described as a significant breach of trust, especially given his long-standing career in law enforcement.

His Honour Judge Cullum delivered a stern sentence, stating, “When you pressed the record button you also unfortunately pressed the self-destruct button. At the age of 58, you are a man of good character who had a very long career as a police officer in a variety of important roles.” The judge emphasized that Tedds had jeopardized everything he had worked for, including his reputation, career, and standing in the community. Tedds was sentenced to a three-year community order with supervision, required to sign the sex offenders register for five years, and to attend a community sexual offenders work group.

Judge Cullum also remarked on the profound impact of Tedds’ actions, noting that he had “lost his job,” his “good name,” and had “saddened all that knew him.” The court acknowledged that, despite the serious nature of the offences, they appeared to be out of character for Tedds, who expressed remorse and sought therapy to understand how he could have fallen so low.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector John Cashion of West Mercia Police commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of an independent and impartial investigation. He reaffirmed that no one, regardless of their previous position or trust placed in them, is above the law. The case serves as a stark reminder that criminal behaviour, especially involving vulnerable individuals and breaches of trust, will be met with appropriate legal consequences, regardless of the offender’s background.

In a related development, Tedds had previously pleaded guilty to making indecent images of a child and five counts of outraging public decency at Redditch Magistrates’ Court. He was bailed to appear for sentencing at Worcester Crown Court on August 2, 2013. His case continues to resonate within the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding the public from those who abuse positions of trust.