RICHARD CAMMIDGE FROM DRIFFIELD JAILED FOR PAEDOPHILIC CRIMES IN HUMBERSIDE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Richard Cammidge, a 41-year-old former police officer from Driffield, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes involving child exploitation. The offences came to light after a detailed investigation into his online activities, which revealed a pattern of disturbing behavior spanning over three years.

According to court records, Cammidge engaged in inappropriate and sexual communications with a minor through various online platforms. These interactions, which took place between May 2018 and October 2021, included explicit exchanges that have been described as 'abhorrent' by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The investigation uncovered that he possessed indecent images of a child, further compounding the severity of his actions.

During the legal proceedings, Cammidge pleaded guilty to four charges on 10 May at Hull Crown Court. These charges included making an indecent photograph of a child, failing to comply with a Section 49 notice by refusing to disclose the PIN to his phone, and engaging in sexual communication with a minor, with an additional count related to attempting to initiate such communication.

The authorities seized multiple electronic devices, including computers and an iPhone, as part of the investigation. However, Cammidge refused to cooperate by providing the necessary PIN for his phone, which prevented investigators from accessing potentially crucial data stored on the device. This non-compliance was considered an aggravating factor in his sentencing.

On Friday, Cammidge was sentenced to 15 months in prison. In addition to his incarceration, he was subjected to an eight-year sexual harm prevention order, designed to restrict his contact with minors and prevent further offenses. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £140, reflecting the court's stance on the gravity of his crimes.

This case has sent ripples through the community of Driffield and the wider Humberside area, highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and child protection agencies to combat online child exploitation and hold offenders accountable. The IOPC has emphasized the seriousness of Cammidge's actions, condemning them as deeply unacceptable and a betrayal of public trust.