Former officer sentenced for making indecent content of children

A 27 year old former Suffolk police officer from Risby has been sentenced to an offence relating to making indecent content of children.

Robert Askew, of Quay’s Road, in Risby, pleaded guilty at a hearing on May 27 to one count of making a category C movie of children.

He was sentenced yesterday (Monday, July 13) at Norwich Magistrates Court (pictured above) to an 18 month community order, ordered to pay costs of £340 and must comply with the sex offenders register for five years.

He was arrested on August 13, 2024, after information was received regarding the uploading of illegal material online.

Officers attended an address in Stowmarket and during a search of the property, police seized digital devices which were later examined by specialist forensic officers.

Askew was interviewed following his arrest and subsequently charged.

DCC Dan Vajzovic said: “We have significantly strengthened the vetting of new applicants to the police service.

“Sadly, this former officer was able to hide his true nature.

“His conduct whilst in his probationary period resulted in him losing his job and I hope that the sentence will serve as a reminder to all who offend against children that tackling this sort of abuse is a priority for policing and we will seek to bring the full weight of the laws down on people no matter the position they hold.

“The actions of this former officer were in stark contrast to the exemplary work carried out by the wider workforce.”

He was suspended as soon as the allegations were reported to the constabulary’s Professional Standards Department (PSD).

Askew resigned from the force in April this year.