PHILIP STROLIN FROM CHESHAM JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND THAMES VALLEY

In a shocking turn of events, Philip Strolin, a police officer from Chesham, has been sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty of possessing a vast collection of indecent images of children. The case, which has sent ripples through the local community and the police force, was heard at Swindon Crown Court, revealing disturbing details about a once-respected officer’s descent into criminal activity.

Strolin, aged 50, served as a roads policing officer with Thames Valley Police, a career spanning over two decades. His professional reputation was once highly regarded, and he was recognized for his dedication and service, particularly in his role as a liaison officer dealing with families affected by road accidents. However, his career was abruptly tarnished following his arrest in November of the previous year, which marked the end of his long-standing service in disgrace.

According to the prosecution, Colin Meeke, police officers from Thames Valley Police executed a raid on Strolin’s residence in Chesham after receiving intelligence from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. During the operation, authorities seized two computers from his home. The forensic analysis of these devices uncovered a disturbing cache of over 6,000 indecent images of children. The images were classified into different levels of severity, with the majority—more than 5,900—being categorized as Level 1, indicating the least serious content. Additionally, investigators found 99 images at Level 2, 58 at Level 3, and over 200 at Level 4, which is considered the most severe.

Prosecutors revealed that the forensic examination also uncovered evidence of software designed to erase internet browsing history, suggesting an attempt to conceal his activities. Strolin, a father of two, admitted to possessing 6,893 indecent photographs of children and making 12 indecent images during an earlier hearing. His actions prompted immediate legal consequences, culminating in his sentencing.

Deputy Circuit Judge Lester Boothman sentenced Strolin to eight months in prison. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and his two computers were to be destroyed to prevent further misuse. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the breach of trust involved.

During the proceedings, Strolin’s defense attorney, Claire Evans, described her client as a “broken man,” emphasizing his long career of public service and the impact of his actions on his personal life. She highlighted that Strolin had previously been recognized for his dedication, particularly in his role assisting families of road accident victims, a position that often involved high-stress situations and media attention. Evans explained that the stress and loneliness of arriving home late at night, often without family members present, led to alcohol abuse, which she claimed contributed to his descent into viewing child pornography.

Following his arrest, Strolin’s personal life unraveled further. His wife of 26 years left him and moved to the north of England. He lost his family home, which was a police residence, and was forced to rent a room elsewhere. The case has not only brought shame upon him but also raised concerns about the safeguarding and monitoring of law enforcement officers entrusted with public safety.