A serving police officer has been charged with a number of offences under the Sexual Offences Act following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

Thomas Kettleborough, 35, an Avon and Somerset Police Inspector based at their Police Headquarters, was arrested in July 2023 on suspicion of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence. He was interviewed and released on conditional bail. He was suspended following his arrest.

His arrest was part of a proactive police operation led by the Online Investigations Team. This team works alongside a national network of officers tackling offences online, including child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Following further enquiries, he was arrested on suspicion of further offences on 19 March.

The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised the following charges:

• Arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence
• Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
• Attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity
• Five counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child
• Four counts of making an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• Assaulting an emergency worker (police officer)

He is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (23 October 2024).

Thomas Kettleborough was involved with two voluntary organisations, the Royal Marine Cadets and the Royal Lifesaving Society UK. Following his arrest, we ensured all safeguarding measures were in place. None of the offences he is charged with relate to his voluntary roles.

If you have any relevant information and want to speak to specialist officers directly about this case, you can contact police online here: Contact us | Avon and Somerset Police and please use the reference number 5224157243. If you’re not able to contact us online, please call 101 and use the same reference number.

Avon and Somerset Police statement Serving police officer charged with child sex offences following investigation | Avon and Somerset Police