January 2011

Policeman jailed for schoolgirl sex assault in Driffield

A FORMER  police officer has been jailed for sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. PC Kevin Ford was a serving officer when he sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl in Driffield.

Detectives also found 270 indecent images of children on his computer.

Ford, of Albert Terrace, Beverley, had worked for Humberside Police for 40 years at police stations in Beverley, Bridlington and Hornsea.

The married 57-year-old, who has now retired, was arrested in October.

He pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment at Hull Crown Court and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

Ford said he “derived pleasure” from looking at images of young women.

His barrister Mark Bury said: “He is only too well aware he has committed a gross breach of trust. He is palpably and bitterly ashamed of himself.”

Ford received commendations, and was in charge of  a crime management unit.

Recorder Andrew Campbell QC said: “The courts have a public duty to reinforce this sort of conduct as so serious that nothing other than a custodial sentence can be passed upon you.”