THOMAS KETTLEBOROUGH'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN AVON

A man formerly employed as a police inspector within the Avon and Somerset Police force has been found guilty and sentenced for serious child sexual offences. Thomas Kettleborough, aged 35, led a disturbing double life, hiding his criminal activities behind a facade of normalcy. His misconduct came to light after he was dismissed from the police force on 12 March due to gross misconduct, which resulted in his being barred from continuing his career in law enforcement.

Despite his position, Kettleborough engaged in illicit online activities, where he concealed his true identity by adopting the pseudonym Liam. Over a period of four years, he maintained sexual communications with multiple children, exploiting the anonymity of the internet to carry out his predatory behavior. His digital devices contained over 150 indecent images of children, a fact that underscored the extent of his criminality.

The authorities acted decisively in July 2023 when the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) arrested Kettleborough. The arrest followed a sting operation in which he believed he was meeting a 14-year-old boy. Instead, law enforcement officers confronted and detained him during the operation, effectively preventing any further harm.

During a subsequent search of his vehicle, officers discovered a yellow Aldi bag for life that contained a disturbing array of items. Among these were sex toys, condoms, and bondage equipment, including limb restraints, indicating a disturbing interest in BDSM and sexual control practices involving minors.

In February, Kettleborough pleaded guilty to multiple charges under the Sexual Offences and Protection of Children Acts. His admissions included arranging child sex offences, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, attempting to incite a child to participate in sexual activities, and engaging in sexual communication with a child. Additionally, he admitted to possessing four indecent images of children, further highlighting the severity of his crimes.

As part of his sentencing, Kettleborough was issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes strict restrictions on his activities and contact with minors. Furthermore, he will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.