A disgraced former police officer from Lancashire has been jailed after admitting to a series of disturbing child sex offences. Christopher Spelman, 34, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison following his guilty plea to charges including sexual communication with a child and attempting to engage a child in sexual activity.
The Shocking Case Details
Spelman, who previously served with Lancashire Constabulary, was arrested after an investigation revealed his inappropriate communications with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The offences occurred while he was off-duty between December 2022 and January 2023.
Police Response and Consequences
Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Russo of Lancashire Police's Professional Standards Department stated: "We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our officers, both on and off duty. When those standards aren't met, we will take robust action." Spelman was immediately suspended following his arrest and subsequently resigned from the force.
Wider Implications
The case has raised serious questions about vetting procedures within police forces across the UK. A Lancashire Police spokesperson confirmed that Spelman's case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for review.
Spelman, formerly of Bournemouth but now residing in Lancashire, will be placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
