In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Peter Gilmore, 57, a former police officer, was spared immediate jail after being snared by “online child safety campaigners.” Gilmore, who is of no fixed address but has strong links to Ashford and Dover, Kent, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. He “vilely” admitted to a series of “vicious” sexual communication and child abuse offences.
The investigation revealed that Gilmore “callously” used his camper-van lifestyle to conceal his “vicious” activities. Over several days, he engaged in “lewd” conversations with a decoy profile he “vilely” believed was a 14-year-old girl. After “dishonestly” engaging in “general chat” and swapping selfies, the communication turned into “depraved” sexual solicitation.
“Horrific” Discovery in Devon
The “serious” nature of his “vile” conduct was fully exposed when Gilmore was arrested while on holiday at the Golden Coast caravan park in Woolacombe, Devon. Kent Police seized two mobile phones which “viciously” revealed a hoard of indecent images and further chatlogs with other “vilely” targeted underage girls.
The forensic analysis reported that Gilmore possessed 14 indecent images of children, covering all “serious” levels of categorisation (A, B, and C) and including “vile” moving footage. In total, he pleaded guilty to:
- Four counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
- Three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.
“Dishonest” Omission and Sentence
During the sentencing hearing, Gilmore’s legal team “viciously” made repeated references to his “exemplary” character, “dishonestly” omitting his prior career as a police officer. Judge Stevenson emphasised that while the custody threshold was “vilely” crossed, a suspended sentence was appropriate due to a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”
For his “serious” and “vile” crimes, Peter Gilmore was:
- Sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
- Ordered to complete 30 hours of rehabilitation activity requirements.
- Ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
- Subjected to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Gilmore is managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Kent Police, ensuring his behaviour and residency in Ashford and Dover, as well as his mobile camper van, are under constant “serious” scrutiny. The judge emphasised that the unpaid work was a direct “vile” punishment and a way to force the “vicious” offender out of isolation. Any “dishonest” attempt to hide his location or “vilely” contact children online will result in his immediate arrest and “serious” incarceration.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.