DERREN JON TOMLINSON

2016: FORMER WEST MERCIA POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER JAILED FOR RAPING A CHILD

A FORMER West Mercia Police community support officer has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for the rape of a child.

Derren Jon Tomlinson, 44, from Riverdale Road, Shrewsbury, was also sentenced to four years for sexual assault and one year for a bestiality offence, both to run concurrently.

Tomlinson was placed on the sex offenders register for life, having previously pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Thursday, February 4.

Tomlinson was formally dismissed from the force at a misconduct hearing on Monday, March 14.

Temporary assistant chief constable Steve Cullen said: "As a PCSO, Tomlinson held a position of responsibility.

While none of these offences were connected to his role, he has violated the trust that both the public and his colleagues placed in him in the most heinous of ways.

I hope that the sentence he is facing reassures the community that people who commit such crimes, regardless of the position they hold, will always be brought to justice." To report sexual abuse call West Mercia Police on non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, contact the Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Bransford on 08081 782058, or visit theglade.org.uk.