ESSEX POLICE OFFICER RICHARD CROFT SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN PRISON IN BRENTWOOD

In February 2008, Richard Croft, a former high-ranking Essex police officer, was convicted of child abuse and sentenced to six years in prison. Croft, who previously served as an inspector for Essex Police and resided in Brentwood, subjected a young girl to a series of sexual offences over an 18-month period.

Judge David Goodin, presiding at Ipswich Crown Court, characterized Croft’s actions as a "catalogue of abuse," and noted his guilty plea to six charges. Croft, aged 50 at the time, had resigned from his police position and had moved to Lincoln. He admitted to four counts of indecency with a child and two counts of indecent assault.

The court was told that the abuse began when Croft's victim was only 12 years old. Prosecutor Stephen Dyble explained, "Over the next 18 months, Croft escalated his attention towards the girl, resulting in full sexual intercourse on multiple occasions." While Croft accepted six charges, these were representative of the extensive misconduct.

The grooming and abuse occurred in various locations while Croft was stationed at Stanford le Hope. It was revealed that full sexual intercourse began when the girl turned 13 and became a regular occurrence, Mr Dyble said. The offences surfaced early the previous year when the victim, by then in her mid-20s, contacted Essex Police.

On March 9 of the previous year, officers went to Croft’s residence in Brentwood and arrested him. During his arrest, Croft reportedly shouted to his wife, "See you in a few years."

Representing Croft, lawyer John Caudle emphasized that no physical force was used against the girl and noted Croft’s acknowledgement of her psychological harm and his genuine remorse. Mr Caudle also highlighted that Croft’s guilty plea prevented his victim from undergoing the trauma of courtroom testimony. Since being charged, Croft had expressed remorse through letters to the girl and her mother.

This case marked the end of Croft’s previously unblemished police career. He had operated Billericay Police Station from June 2001 until 2005 and served as a response team inspector in Basildon at the time of his arrest.

Sentencing, Judge Goodin stated, "You betrayed the trust placed in you as a police officer. In corrupting her and stealing her early adolescence, you damaged a part of her life that she will carry forever if not longer." Croft was advised he would remain on the Sexual Offenders’ Register for life.