FORMER POLICE OFFICER AND SCOUT LEADER FACING JAIL FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES
2019.A man formerly employed as a police officer in March, known for stating ‘I love locking them up’ in reference to criminals, is currently detained as he awaits sentencing for crimes involving child sexual offenses.
Phil Richardson, aged 49, who served at March Police Station, made an appearance at Luton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, November 21.
He also dedicated 27 years of his life to volunteering as a scout leader.
Richardson confessed to three counts of producing indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child and two counts of distributing such images.
According to a police spokesman, he was detained in May and dismissed from his police role on July 3.
He remains in custody and is due to face Luton Crown Court on December 13 for sentencing.
A parent, who was informed shortly after the arrest, described the impact as almost beyond comprehension for the family, noting that the children involved are likely to suffer trauma and feel isolated as they try to understand what happened.
Eight years earlier, Richardson was a popular community police officer in March.
He once suggested on the local community website ShapeYourPlace that residents should remain vigilant to help catch offenders.
He commented, 'Let’s make March a risky environment for criminals.
I love incarcerating them; getting them off the streets increases my chances of a smiling photo.' In 2010, local paper Cambs Times reported on Richardson’s wedding, highlighting his desire to include as many friends and family as possible.
His wedding party included 12 bridesmaids, five pageboys, and ten cub scouts accompanying the bride.
Representatives from local groups like March Marlins Swimming Club, Fenland Music Centre, and the 2nd March Saxons cubs took part in the ceremony at Trinity Church, March.
Richardson had met his wife through their mutual involvement as cub leaders.
Their wedding happened on Richardson’s birthday, and he chose to take his wife’s surname, which is a rarity.
He stated about the wedding: 'Some aspects were my ideas.
Having been involved in scouting since 1992 as an adult, I wanted it to be reflected in our special day.'
