A British Transport Police officer, Paedophile James Chatfield, has been convicted for utilising social media to solicit sexual communication with a minor.
Sergeant James Chatfield, 36, masqueraded as a 17-year-old male and initiated communication with an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old female.
The court heard that James Chatfield utilised Snapchat and Chat Avenue to solicit intimate photographs from her during their conversations in September.
James Chatfield was conversing with an undercover officer from South Wales Police, who subsequently reported the interaction to the British Transport Police’s professional standards department.
The officer, James Chatfield, stationed in London, admitted guilt to two charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 November.
A judge on Wednesday imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, indicating he will not be incarcerated unless he commits another violation.
James Chatfield was additionally issued a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland stated, “I represent the sentiments of all at British Transport Police when I express our profound shock and dismay regarding the actions of James Chatfield.”
“James Chatfield does not embody our values, and his expedited disciplinary proceedings will occur at the earliest opportunity in the New Year.”
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