A former Humberside Police officer paedophile, Richard Cammidge, who participated in sexual communication with a minor and subsequently declined to provide his phone PIN to investigators has been sentenced to imprisonment.
Richard Cammidge, 41, formerly of Bridlington, entered a guilty plea to four charges on 10 May at Hull Crown Court.
On Friday, Richard Cammidge received a 15-month prison sentence from the same court.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) characterised Richard Cammidge’s behaviour as “abhorrent”.
Richard Cammidge, residing on Scarborough Road in Driffield, was determined to have perpetrated the offences through online platforms from May 2018 to October 2021.
He was incarcerated after admitting guilt to producing an indecent photograph of a kid, neglecting to adhere to a section 49 notice to reveal the key to safeguarded information, participating in sexual communication with a child, and attempting to initiate sexual communication with a child.
The IOPC reported that computers and an iPhone were confiscated during the investigation of Richard Cammidge; however, he declined to disclose the PIN for his phone, rendering access to its contents unfeasible.
Following the sentencing, Steve Noonan, the head of major investigations at the IOPC, stated: “PC Richard Cammidge’s conduct was reprehensible in engaging in sexual communication with an individual he presumed to be a minor on multiple occasions.”
His unwillingness to grant investigators access to his iPhone, despite legal obligations, demonstrates his attempt to obstruct the investigation and dodge accountability for his actions.
“He has justly received a prison sentence for his egregious behaviour, which considerably erodes public confidence in law enforcement.”
Mr. Noonan expressed gratitude to Humberside Police’s counter-corruption squad for their endeavours in ensuring accountability for the activities of this former officer.
Richard Cammidge resigned prior to a scheduled gross misconduct hearing with Humberside Police in January. The panel concluded that had he remained an officer, he would have faced dismissal.
He will be included on the College of Policing prohibited list, so prohibiting future employment with any police force.
Richard Cammidge received an eight-year sexual harm prevention order and was mandated to pay a victim surcharge of £140.
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