Essex PC Dismissed After Admitting Making Indecent Images Of Children

24 March 2017, 12:26 | Updated: 24 March 2017, 12:28

Essex Police

A police officer has been dismissed from Essex Police for gross misconduct after admitting criminal offences.

Pc Clive Hansen admitted three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing a prohibited images when he appeared at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on February 13.

He was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court today, Thursday March 23, to a four month prison term suspended for 12 months, ordered to complete 80 hours of community work and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for seven years, must take part in a rehabilitation programme and pay £365 court costs.

A special case hearing, chaired by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, was held today at Chelmsford County Court.

It found that Pc Hansen, who was based at Canvey police station, had breached the standards of professional behaviour in the area of discreditable conduct.

He was dismissed without notice.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Kavanagh said: "The protection of public confidence in policing is vital if we are to face the scourge of child abuse imagery and other crimes in the modern age.

"Police officers should as part of their professional duties commit to the protection of the weak and the innocent.

"Every abuse image of a child re-victimises that vulnerable individual and is abhorrent to society. "Those in positions of power are rightly expected by the public and colleagues to adhere to appropriate standards of behaviour.

"The creation and storage of such a large number of child abuse images by someone sworn to protect the public demands a clear message that I am confident will be supported not just by senior colleagues but all colleagues in Essex Police.”