A former Oxford police officer has admitted possession of an extreme pornographic image.
Craig Finch, 38, who resigned from Thames Valley Police on Wednesday, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court earlier today.
The police have not confirmed the nature of the extreme pornographic image. However, the law states that such material must be ‘grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character’ and can include acts that threaten a persons life, depictions of rape, sexual acts that involve serious injury, intercourse with a corpse or sexual activity between a person and animal.
Following Finch’s conviction, Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: “Whenever an officer is accused of breaking the law we will investigate thoroughly and where evidence is found it will be presented it to the Crown Prosecution Service.
“It is entirely unacceptable to myself, to the force, as well as to the public for someone who is supposed to uphold the law and protect others, to have committed such an offence and remain an officer.”
PC Finch was based at St Aldates' Police Station Picture: ED NIX
Finch will return to High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on September 19 for sentencing.
The former officer, who was based at St Aldates’ police station, resigned from Thames Valley Police on Wednesday.
At an accelerated misconduct hearing yesterday, Chief Constable John Campbell said the former constable’s offending – at that time not yet admitted before the court – amounted to gross misconduct and that he would have been sacked had he not resigned. The misconduct hearing was held behind closed doors.
Mr Hogg said: “I hope that this conviction and the formal misconduct processes that have taken place demonstrate clearly that we as a police force, will not tolerate activity that brings the reputation of the service into disrepute.”
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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.
To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk
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