WAKEFIELD EX-POLICE OFFICER DAVID GRIFFITHS SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wakefield, a former police officer has been found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children, including some of the most severe category.The incident came to light in January 2018, when David Griffiths, aged 69 and residing on Thornleigh Avenue in Wakefield, was arrested by his colleagues from West Yorkshire Police.
At the time of his arrest, Griffiths was still employed as a civilian investigation officer within the police force, a role he had held after serving as a police officer for three decades.
The investigation was initiated after authorities uncovered evidence of his involvement in viewing and downloading illegal material.
During the search, law enforcement officers seized two laptops and a mobile phone from Griffiths' residence, which revealed a disturbing collection of over 200 images depicting children being sexually abused.
Prosecutor Caroline Wigin detailed the severity of the material found, noting that 107 of the images were classified as Category A, indicating the most serious level of abuse.
Among the illegal content, investigators also discovered images involving animal abuse, adding to the gravity of the case.
A particularly distressing find was a three-hour-long video showing children aged between 11 and 14 years old subjected to painful sexual acts.
The court was told that Griffiths had conducted internet searches using terms such as 'peado', 'pre-teen', and 'underage', indicating premeditation and intent.
The illegal activity spanned from June 2016 to January 2018, during which Griffiths accessed and downloaded the illicit images.
His actions prompted an internal investigation by West Yorkshire Police, leading to his resignation from the force once the allegations surfaced.
In court, Griffiths pleaded guilty to three charges: making indecent photographs of a child and possessing an extreme pornographic image.
The sentencing hearing was presided over by Recorder Sophie Drake, who emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, especially given Griffiths' former role as a police officer.
She stated, “As you well know as a former police officer, these are not victimless crimes.
Children have to be abused for men like you to view these images.
In your way, you have played a part in the serious abuse of these children.” Recorder Drake expressed her disbelief that Griffiths could have committed such offenses out of boredom, highlighting his long-standing service in the community.
She remarked, “You have fallen from grace in the most spectacular way.
The court has very little sympathy for you because you chose to view them.” Despite the gravity of his actions, the judge imposed a suspended prison sentence of eight months, which will not be served unless Griffiths commits further offenses within the next 12 months.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work.
The court's decision aimed to balance punishment with the opportunity for rehabilitation, with Recorder Drake emphasizing the importance of continued engagement with probation services to address his offending behavior and protect the public.
