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Retired police officer jailed over indecent images of children

Peter Whitehouse, 56, has been jailed for three years, after pleading guilty to seven counts of possession of indecent images of children.

He was arrested and charged in April with downloading the most severe level of indecent child abuse images.

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Former police officer jailed over extreme child abuse images

Peter Whitehouse being escorted into a police van

Former Jersey Police officer Peter Whitehouse will serve three years behind bars, after pleading guilty to seven counts of possession of indecent images of children.

Whitehouse, 56, was arrested and charged in April with downloading the most severe level of indecent child abuse images.

He pleaded guilty at Jersey's Magistrates Court in August and was jailed for three years at the Royal Court today.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

Peter Whitehouse

In summing up, the Bailiff William Bailhache said his conduct "has brought shame on the Police Force and the charity he worked for".

Whitehouse was employed by Prison Me No Way as an educator, an organisation that aims to raise the awareness of young people in the Island about the causes, consequences and penalties of crime.

The States of Jersey Police says it conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of contact offending.

The downloading of indecent images of children is not a victimless crime..... Victims are abused in order to create the images. People who download these images are increasing the demand which clearly leads to further abuse. We will pursue and deal robustly, without fear or favour, those who sexually exploit and abuse children, whether this be through possession of indecent images of children or those who contact offend.

– Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hafey, Jersey Police

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