“His deplorable actions have appalled his former colleagues”
The HQ of Avon And Somerset Police(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A Bristol police officer convicted of making hundreds of indecent images of children has been barred from the profession.
PC Michael Elmer committed gross misconduct, an Avon & Somerset Police tribunal panel ruled today (Tuesday, April 7).
The 36-year-old was suspended following his arrest by the force’s internet child abuse team last May and has since resigned.
He pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court in February to three counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child, one charge of distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child, and one count of sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state for the purpose of sexual gratification.
Former PC Elmer was remanded on conditional bail ahead of sentencing on Monday, April 20.
Because of the conviction, a misconduct hearing was held at constabulary headquarters in Portishead.
Leah Ellison, representing the force, said the three counts of making indecent images of a child related to 96 photos in the most serious Category A, 60 Category B and 281 Category C.
She said: “These are very serious criminal convictions.
“This is a very straightforward case – this is gross misconduct.”
Panel chair Craig Holden agreed and said: “The public would be rightly outraged knowing a serving officer had committed these offences.”
He ruled that the officer would have been sacked without notice had he not already resigned.
Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly said afterwards: “This former officer has committed abhorrent offences for which he will be sentenced later this month.
“As soon as we became aware of the offences, an investigation was launched and he was suspended from duty.
“The outcome of this misconduct process means he will never be able to work in policing or any other law enforcement role again.
“His deplorable actions have appalled his former colleagues, who he’s severely let down, along with the public he took an oath to serve and protect.
“We will always take robust action when officers or staff members fail to meet the high standards expected of them, but it’s also important to stress these cases do not reflect the hard work, dedication and courage of the vast majority.”
The officer did not attend the misconduct hearing and was not represented.