GEORGE POOLE OF FAIRFORD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGER NEAR HANNINGTON WICK

In a case that has shocked the local community of Fairford and the surrounding areas, Geoffrey Poole, a 51-year-old former police officer and Royal Navy veteran, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a 16-year-old girl. The incident took place in the woodland area between Kempsford and Hannington Wick, a rural region in the Cotswolds, during a period spanning from February 18 to March 20 of the previous year.

Poole, who resided at Memorial Cottages in Coln St Aldwyn near Fairford, had previously held a position of trust as a commanding officer of the Naval Training Corps for young people. The court was informed that he had initiated contact with the girl through a series of increasingly explicit text messages. These messages appeared designed to manipulate and soften her resistance, ultimately leading to a sexual encounter in the secluded woodland area. Prosecutor Mary Harley detailed that after the act, the girl immediately experienced feelings of regret and remorse, describing her emotional state as feeling 'disgusted with myself for what I have done.'

Following the incident, the girl confided in her parents, who promptly contacted law enforcement authorities. The police investigation confirmed that Poole had engaged in sexual activity with a minor while in a position of trust and authority. The charge against him specified that he had touched the girl sexually in the woodland area between Kempsford and Hannington Wick, during the specified period.

During the court proceedings, Recorder Gregory Bull QC emphasized the gravity of the breach of trust involved in the case. He stated that Poole's actions constituted 'a most terrible breach of trust' and expressed his belief that the defendant had deliberately groomed the young girl. The judge pointed out that Poole's series of flirtatious and indecent texts, followed by his proposal of sexual intercourse, indicated a calculated effort to exploit her vulnerability. The court noted that the girl, who was experiencing emotional distress due to a recent breakup with her boyfriend, responded affirmatively, likely influenced by the grooming process.

Despite the serious nature of the offense, the judge acknowledged that Poole had shown remorse by pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, thereby sparing the girl from having to give evidence in court. As part of his sentence, Poole was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order that prohibits him from engaging in any form of teaching, training, guiding, or having contact with children and young persons for the remainder of his life.

In his defense, David Martin, representing Poole, highlighted his client's prior good character and service to the country, both in the Royal Navy and in the police force. He argued that Poole's guilty plea was a significant mitigating factor, demonstrating his remorse and acceptance of responsibility. The court was also informed that Poole had served as a police officer until 2001, with Gloucestershire police confirming his employment history in the force.

Judge Bull concluded that although Poole had been a man of exemplary character before this incident, his actions warranted a substantial penalty. The 15-month prison sentence was deemed appropriate given the breach of trust and grooming involved in the case, which has left a lasting impact on the victim and the community at large.