ANDREW GOUGE'S SHOCKING CRIME IN BROMLEY AND GRAYS: POLICE OFFICER GROOMS 13-YEAR-OLD ONLINE
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Bromley Grays Child Sexual Abuser
In September 2013, a disturbing case involving a police officer from the Metropolitan Police Service unfolded, revealing a grave breach of trust and a heinous crime committed against a vulnerable young girl. PC Andrew Gouge, aged 34, who was serving as an Acting Police Sergeant at the time, was found guilty of grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place across locations in Bromley and Grays, where Gouge’s actions shocked the local communities and prompted a strong response from law enforcement authorities.
Gouge had initially established contact with the young girl through an online chatroom, where he used the pseudonym 'Josh Little'. The court heard that by February of that year, the two had exchanged Blackberry Messenger pins and email addresses, facilitating ongoing communication. Gouge, who was estranged from his wife, did not attempt to conceal his real age from the girl, which added to the gravity of his misconduct. Over the course of their online interactions, Gouge and the girl arranged to meet in person on multiple occasions, primarily in public parks in Orpington, Kent, and other nearby areas.
According to the prosecution, Kathy Hirst, the court was informed that their meetings began early in the year, with the pair meeting at least four times. During these encounters, most of their time was spent talking, but on their third meeting, physical contact occurred, including kissing. The situation escalated further during their fourth meeting when members of the public observed their interaction and became concerned about the nature of their relationship. Witnesses reported seeing Gouge with his hand up the girl’s school skirt and resting beneath it, while the girl was dressed in her school uniform. One witness initially thought they were father and daughter but soon noticed their awkward behavior.
Concerned by what they saw, the witness contacted her father, who advised her to call the police if she was uncomfortable. The same witness later saw Gouge and the girl engaged in a kiss, with Gouge’s hand still under her skirt. Another witness, hearing schoolchildren discussing the scene, also called authorities. Officers on patrol in Bromley responded promptly and arrived at the scene, where they recognized Gouge as a local officer. They found him in an embrace with the 13-year-old girl, confirming their suspicions.
Initially, both Gouge and the girl claimed they had only met that day, with Gouge asserting that she had come across him lying in a field. However, further police investigations uncovered the truth. Officers visited the girl’s home, where she disclosed that Gouge had sent her a topless photograph of himself and that she had sent him a partially covered photograph of her bottom. She also revealed that they had engaged in sexually explicit conversations, during which Gouge had asked her for oral sex.
Judge David Tomlinson sentenced Gouge to 21 months in prison, emphasizing the severity of his breach of trust. In his remarks, the judge highlighted that Gouge, as a police officer with over ten years of service, was expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct. He pointed out that Gouge was in a position of authority and trust within the community, especially given that the police station in Bromley was local to where the incidents occurred. The judge noted that the girl was already in a fragile state when Gouge made contact, which compounded the seriousness of his actions.
Gouge, who resides in Grays, Essex, admitted to one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. During the sentencing, he sat silently, dressed in a maroon T-shirt and jogging bottoms, with his arms crossed, showing no reaction to the verdict. He is currently suspended from the Metropolitan Police and faces disciplinary proceedings.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas of the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command condemned Gouge’s conduct, stating that he had targeted and exploited a vulnerable young girl for his own sexual gratification. He stressed the importance of vigilance regarding social media and internet use to protect children from predators like Gouge. Thomas reaffirmed the police’s commitment to safeguarding children and bringing offenders to justice.
Commander Allan Gibson, head of the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, expressed disappointment in Gouge’s betrayal of his duty to serve and protect. He stated that Gouge’s actions had caused immense harm to the victim, her family, and tarnished the reputation of the police force. Gibson emphasized that all police officers are expected to behave with integrity both on and off duty, and Gouge’s conduct was a serious breach of those standards. As part of his sentence, Gouge will also be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and a Restraining Order to prevent further contact with the victim.
Gouge had initially established contact with the young girl through an online chatroom, where he used the pseudonym 'Josh Little'. The court heard that by February of that year, the two had exchanged Blackberry Messenger pins and email addresses, facilitating ongoing communication. Gouge, who was estranged from his wife, did not attempt to conceal his real age from the girl, which added to the gravity of his misconduct. Over the course of their online interactions, Gouge and the girl arranged to meet in person on multiple occasions, primarily in public parks in Orpington, Kent, and other nearby areas.
According to the prosecution, Kathy Hirst, the court was informed that their meetings began early in the year, with the pair meeting at least four times. During these encounters, most of their time was spent talking, but on their third meeting, physical contact occurred, including kissing. The situation escalated further during their fourth meeting when members of the public observed their interaction and became concerned about the nature of their relationship. Witnesses reported seeing Gouge with his hand up the girl’s school skirt and resting beneath it, while the girl was dressed in her school uniform. One witness initially thought they were father and daughter but soon noticed their awkward behavior.
Concerned by what they saw, the witness contacted her father, who advised her to call the police if she was uncomfortable. The same witness later saw Gouge and the girl engaged in a kiss, with Gouge’s hand still under her skirt. Another witness, hearing schoolchildren discussing the scene, also called authorities. Officers on patrol in Bromley responded promptly and arrived at the scene, where they recognized Gouge as a local officer. They found him in an embrace with the 13-year-old girl, confirming their suspicions.
Initially, both Gouge and the girl claimed they had only met that day, with Gouge asserting that she had come across him lying in a field. However, further police investigations uncovered the truth. Officers visited the girl’s home, where she disclosed that Gouge had sent her a topless photograph of himself and that she had sent him a partially covered photograph of her bottom. She also revealed that they had engaged in sexually explicit conversations, during which Gouge had asked her for oral sex.
Judge David Tomlinson sentenced Gouge to 21 months in prison, emphasizing the severity of his breach of trust. In his remarks, the judge highlighted that Gouge, as a police officer with over ten years of service, was expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct. He pointed out that Gouge was in a position of authority and trust within the community, especially given that the police station in Bromley was local to where the incidents occurred. The judge noted that the girl was already in a fragile state when Gouge made contact, which compounded the seriousness of his actions.
Gouge, who resides in Grays, Essex, admitted to one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. During the sentencing, he sat silently, dressed in a maroon T-shirt and jogging bottoms, with his arms crossed, showing no reaction to the verdict. He is currently suspended from the Metropolitan Police and faces disciplinary proceedings.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas of the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command condemned Gouge’s conduct, stating that he had targeted and exploited a vulnerable young girl for his own sexual gratification. He stressed the importance of vigilance regarding social media and internet use to protect children from predators like Gouge. Thomas reaffirmed the police’s commitment to safeguarding children and bringing offenders to justice.
Commander Allan Gibson, head of the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, expressed disappointment in Gouge’s betrayal of his duty to serve and protect. He stated that Gouge’s actions had caused immense harm to the victim, her family, and tarnished the reputation of the police force. Gibson emphasized that all police officers are expected to behave with integrity both on and off duty, and Gouge’s conduct was a serious breach of those standards. As part of his sentence, Gouge will also be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and a Restraining Order to prevent further contact with the victim.