Police Officer Jailed for Shocking Child Abuse Crimes
A serving Hertfordshire police officer has been found guilty of multiple child abuse offences after a trial at Cambridge Crown Court. James Ford, 31, was convicted on all counts and is now remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on Friday, October 21st.
Horrific Charges and Court Details
Ford faced 11 charges, including the rape of a minor and perverting the course of justice by deliberately wiping his phone clean. The sexual offences occurred between December 2019 and September 2021. Evidence showed he tampered with his phone on October 17, 2021, in a bid to cover his tracks.
The victim, who cannot be named, was supported by specially trained officers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit (CAISU). The crimes were revealed after the victim confided in her father, triggering an independent investigation by Cambridgeshire police. The case was also referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and Hertfordshire’s Professional Standards Department.
Where He Worked and What Officials Say
- Ford was a uniformed response officer in East Herts.
- He joined the force in December 2019 and has been suspended since November 2023.
Detective Inspector Susie Hine, head of CAISU, praised the victim’s courage. She said: “First and foremost, I want to pay tribute to the victim and her immediate family’s bravery. The jury was left in no doubt by the victim’s powerful testimony, and a predatory sex offender is now behind bars.”
Mark Williamson of CAISU added: “Ford has shown no remorse for his actions. It’s a credit to the victim that the jury saw beyond his lies. I urge all victims of child abuse to come forward for support, no matter when the offence happened.”
Force Condemns Ford’s Actions
Hertfordshire Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer slammed Ford’s behaviour as “appalling” and said it would have “devastated those involved.” She confirmed he will face a dismissal hearing soon and stated: “Thanks to the victim’s bravery and our dedicated officers, Ford will now serve time in prison where he belongs. I am disgusted by his actions.”
