Ex-officer sentenced for indecent video of children

A former Suffolk Police officer who "was able to hide his true nature" has been sentenced after admitting making indecent content of children.

Robert Askew, from near Bury St Edmunds, pleaded guilty on 27 May to one count of making a category C movie of children.

The 27-year-old, who resigned from the force in April, was arrested in August 2024 after police received information about the uploading of illegal material online.

At Norwich Magistrates' Court on Friday, Askew was given an 18-month community order and told he would be on the sex offenders register for five years.

Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic said the sentence showed police would "seek to bring the full weight of the laws down on people no matter the position they hold".

"I hope the sentence issued today will serve as a reminder to all who offend against children that tackling this sort of abuse is a priority for policing," he added.

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

Askew was arrested and charged after officers attended an address in Stowmarket and seized digital devices.

He committed the offence during his probationary period and was suspended as soon as the allegations were reported to the force's professional standards department.

"We have significantly strengthened the vetting of new applicants to the police service," said Vajzovic.

"Sadly, this former officer was able to hide his true nature. His conduct whilst in his probationary period resulted in him losing his job."

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.