WAKEFIELD POLICE OFFICER LIAM AUSTERFIELD JAILED FOR GROOMING 14-YEAR-OLD ONLINE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Wakefield community, Liam Austerfield, a 28-year-old police community support officer, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for engaging in a serious online grooming operation involving a 14-year-old girl. The incident unfolded when Austerfield, who was serving with the North West neighbourhood policing team in Wakefield, exploited his position of trust to communicate with the young girl through text messages and Facebook.

According to court records, the communication between Austerfield and the minor initially appeared innocent but quickly escalated into inappropriate and sexual topics. Over the course of their exchanges, which included more than 300 messages, Austerfield requested explicit images from the girl, who, despite his persistent demands, only sent photographs of herself in her pyjamas, bra, and knickers. The police investigation revealed that Austerfield had also sent an indecent picture of himself to the girl, accompanied by the chilling remark, 'If you want to see more you have to show more.'

Authorities seized Austerfield’s mobile phone, laptop, and computer following his arrest on March 21. During the forensic analysis, investigators discovered that he had searched the internet for terms such as 'pre-teen taboo,' indicating a disturbing interest in underage sexual content. The prosecution highlighted that Austerfield was fully aware of the girl’s age but continued to pursue inappropriate communication and requests.

At Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Roger Keen QC condemned Austerfield’s actions, stating, 'Instead of behaving properly, you abused the trust the community placed in you in order to gain sexual satisfaction. You have brought a great deal of distress to your own family, but more importantly, your actions have had a profound effect on your victim and her family.' The judge emphasized that Austerfield’s role as a police officer made his misconduct even more egregious, noting that his betrayal of public trust was unacceptable and that his actions had significantly impacted the young girl’s life.

Prosecutor Michael Rawlinson explained that the girl’s parents were deeply affected by the incident. Her mother expressed feelings of guilt and described how the event had torn their family apart, leading to separation from the girl’s father and causing immense emotional strain. The girl’s parents’ statements painted a picture of a family shattered by betrayal and the lasting trauma inflicted by Austerfield’s misconduct.

During the sentencing, Judge Keen acknowledged that Austerfield claimed to have been heavily intoxicated during the worst of the incidents and that he could recall very little about them. The court also heard that Austerfield had admitted to possessing indecent images of children and inciting a minor to engage in sexual activity. He pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images, one count of possessing 13 indecent images, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Mitigating counsel Alison Dorrell highlighted the breach of trust and the loss of Austerfield’s career, noting that he had previously been well regarded in the community and had spent two years working in public service. She pointed out that his actions had destroyed his reputation and future prospects, emphasizing the dismay of his family who now had to support him through the legal process.

Judge Keen concluded that Austerfield’s conduct was a grave violation of his duties and the community’s trust, sentencing him to 15 months in prison. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity among those sworn to protect and serve, and the devastating consequences when that trust is betrayed.