HORLEY POLICE OFFICER DAVID HARRIGHT JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN SURREY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Horley and the wider Surrey area, PC David Harriott, a former officer of the Surrey Police force, has been sentenced to prison for heinous crimes involving a minor under the age of 13. The sentencing took place at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, January 17, and marks a significant development in a case that has garnered considerable public and media attention.

Harriott, aged 61 and residing on Old Field Road in Horley, was found guilty of multiple serious charges related to the sexual abuse of a young child. The court heard that between 2008 and 2015, a period during which Harriott was on secondment to the National Police Air Service, he committed a series of criminal acts that have left a lasting impact on the victim and the community.

The charges against Harriott included two counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, which involve non-consensual physical contact. Additionally, he was convicted of one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, a particularly grave offense that involves sexual penetration of a minor. The court also found him guilty of inciting or causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, further emphasizing the severity of his misconduct.

Beyond these direct acts, Harriott was also charged with seven counts of making indecent photographs of a child, a crime that involves the creation, possession, or distribution of explicit images of minors. These charges highlight a pattern of disturbing behavior that spanned several years.

Following the court's verdict, Harriott was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. The case has also led to his suspension from Surrey Police, a measure that was already in place since his arrest on July 3, 2015. The police force confirmed that Harriott remains suspended as he awaits the outcome of ongoing misconduct proceedings, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the breach of trust involved.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the need for rigorous oversight of law enforcement officers. The community of Horley and the wider Surrey region continues to grapple with the shock and disappointment over the actions of someone who was entrusted with public safety and trust.