RUSSELL DEW: EX-POLICE OFFICER FROM NEWARK BRANDED A DANGEROUS OFFENDER AND JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

In June 2015, the case of Russell Dew, a former police officer from Newark, Nottinghamshire, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a 13-year-old girl, drew significant public and official attention. Dew, aged 48 at the time, had previously served in law enforcement for 17 years, including roles within Nottinghamshire Police and the Metropolitan Police, before his arrest and subsequent conviction.

His criminal activities came to light after a lengthy investigation that revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming, manipulation, and sexual abuse. Dew was sentenced to six years in prison in 2011 after a court found that he had engaged in a series of predatory behaviors aimed at a vulnerable young girl. The court heard how Dew, a married father of four from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, exploited his position of trust and his experience working at youth centers to gain the girl’s confidence, especially after her parents' separation.

Evidence presented during the trial detailed how Dew had groomed the girl through more than 1,000 emails, many of which contained inappropriate content. He also made her film him as he writhed on the floor dressed in women’s clothing, including tights and a skirt, in a series of disturbing encounters. The court was told that Dew continued to abuse the girl despite her mother’s efforts to prevent contact, which included banning them from seeing each other. Nevertheless, Dew persisted, continuing to communicate with her via email and engaging in physical abuse in private settings in Newark.

One particularly sordid incident involved Dew and the girl 'wrestling' on the floor, during which they simulated sexual acts while Dew was dressed in a skirt, tights, and police-issue handcuffs. The girl recorded some of these encounters, which further demonstrated the manipulative and predatory nature of Dew’s conduct. Dew’s own emails, sent from his police account, revealed his growing concern about his actions, with him expressing difficulty in resisting the urge to be near her and acknowledging that their relationship was 'worrying.'

Throughout the proceedings, Dew’s defense argued that he was remorseful, but the judge, Mrs. Justice Macur, emphasized that his actions were calculated and driven by a selfish desire for sexual gratification. Dew’s background as a police officer, with experience in domestic violence and sexual offender cases, was seen as a factor that enabled him to conceal his depraved behavior and attempt to cover his tracks.

In addition to his prison sentence, Dew was ordered to register as a sex offender and was banned from working with children for life. His resignation from Nottinghamshire Police occurred on August 18, 2015, following his arrest. At the time, he held the position of Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Mansfield, based at the local police station. Dew’s career also included eight years in the Royal Navy and roles in the Metropolitan Police, where he helped establish a center in Croydon to support families affected by abuse.

Nottingham Police officials, including DCI Di Heydon, condemned Dew’s actions, stating that they went against the fundamental role of police officers to protect innocent people. The case highlighted the dangers posed by individuals in positions of trust who abuse their authority for personal and criminal purposes. The court’s decision underscored the seriousness of Dew’s offenses, which involved grooming, manipulation, and sexual exploitation of a vulnerable minor, and served as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children from predatory individuals within the community.