EXETER POLICE OFFICER THOMAS KETTLEBOROUGH PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SHOCKING CASE

A former police officer from Exeter has admitted to a series of extremely serious and disturbing child sex offences, shocking the local community and raising concerns about trust and safety within law enforcement.

Thomas Kettleborough, aged 35, who previously served as an inspector with Avon and Somerset Police, appeared before Exeter Crown Court on Friday to face multiple charges related to his alleged misconduct. During the hearing, he pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, as well as to sexual communication with a minor. The offences span a period from April 2019 to July 2023, highlighting a prolonged pattern of criminal behavior.

His arrest took place in July 2023, after he traveled to meet what he believed was a child for sexual purposes. However, he was met by police officers instead, who had been monitoring his online activities and communications. The investigation revealed that Kettleborough had been attempting to arrange meetings with minors and had engaged in online sexual communication, which is considered a grave breach of trust given his role as a police officer.

In addition to the initial charges, authorities uncovered further offences after examining his electronic devices. These included possession of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children, as well as making multiple such images—specifically, three counts of possessing and four counts of creating indecent images. The investigation also revealed that Kettleborough had used social media platforms, including Snapchat, to engage in sexual conversations with a boy, further illustrating the extent of his misconduct.

Inspector David Wells from the Online Investigations Team commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. He stated, “All of the offenders we deal with who are attempting to engage children in sexual activity online and, as in this case, attempt to meet to abuse them, are exploiting young people in the most horrendous way.” He also highlighted the betrayal of trust involved, noting, “When the offender in question is in such a position of trust like Thomas Kettleborough was, in a role that is about protecting people from harm, the horror of the risk he posed and crimes he committed is intensified.”

Following his arrest, Kettleborough was suspended from his duties and is now subject to a misconduct investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall described his crimes as “extremely serious and appalling,” underscoring the gravity of his actions. She expressed her concern over the impact on colleagues and victims alike, affirming that support services would be made available to those affected.

At an accelerated misconduct hearing held at Avon and Somerset Police’s headquarters on March 12, Kettleborough was formally dismissed from the force and barred from working in policing or law enforcement agencies. The hearing confirmed the allegations of gross misconduct against him, and he was subsequently sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday, April 3.

In addition to his prison sentence, Kettleborough has been handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. The investigation uncovered further disturbing details, including his use of Snapchat to communicate sexually with a minor and the production of over 150 indecent images of children. These offences, committed under the Sexual Offences and Protection of Children Acts, underscore the heinous nature of his crimes.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall concluded by expressing hope for victims and the community, stating, “I hope if there are others that have been affected by this case, they now feel empowered to tell someone, if they are ready to do so.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from exploitation, even when the perpetrator is someone in a trusted position.