PAEDOPHILE POLICE OFFICER PC CLIVE HANSEN FROM CANVEY WALKING FREE AFTER CHILD SEXUAL IMAGE SCANDAL

A police officer accused of possessing and viewing child abuse images has been allowed to go free from court, despite evidence that he downloaded 1,600 indecent images of children.

Canvey-based PC Clive Hansen was found with some of the most disturbing images of child sexual abuse in November of last year. During the hearing at Ipswich Crown Court, Judge David Goodin noted Hansen’s previously described 'exemplary' conduct and advised him to cease viewing such material.

Hansen, aged 53, of Borrowdale Close, Benfleet, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing a prohibited image. He was sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for 12 months.

The court was informed that police received a tip-off that an officer was downloading child abuse images. Officers executed a search at Hansen’s home and confiscated a laptop when he returned from a shift, subsequently arresting him.

Prosecutor Michael Crimp stated, 'He gave no comment during his first interview. Later, he described how he had struggled with this problem for a long time.'

Hansen was found with 17 images classified as Category A (the most severe), 26 images in Category B, and 1,576 images in Category C, along with another prohibited image.

Representing himself, Hansen told the court he did not contest the charges and expressed remorse, saying, 'I am so ashamed of what I have done. There is no excuse. I am so sorry for everybody involved in this sad situation.' He requested that the sentence be suspended to allow him to make amends and contribute positively to the community.

He admitted to viewing these images over approximately 11 months. During his career, Hansen had worked at Rayleigh police station, promoted initiatives like Horsewatch to protect animals, and engaged with youth services to address antisocial behaviour.

Judge Goodin commented, 'In my judgment, there are not many Category A images, but here they are. Considering your previous good character, I recognize that your remorse appears genuine, and certain factors seem to have led you down this unhealthy path.'

Hansen was sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid work, given a seven-year sexual harm prevention order, and will be on the sex offenders' register for the same period. Additionally, he was ordered to undertake 60 days of rehabilitation activities to support his recovery and prevent reoffending.