Barry Geering

A former police officer from Wiltshire has been sentenced for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16, in a case that has shocked the force and raised questions about trust in law enforcement.

Barry Geering, 44, of Ealing, London, was arrested in April 2024 following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU). As part of a proactive operation targeting online child sexual abuse and exploitation, officers identified Geering after he used Snapchat to send sexual messages, believing he was communicating with a minor. Geering, who was a constable with Wiltshire Police at the time, was immediately suspended from duty upon his arrest and resigned from the force two months later.

Geering pleaded guilty in May 2025 to the charge of attempted sexual communication with a child under 16. On Monday, 23 June 2025, he appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court, where he was sentenced to 28 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. In addition to the suspended sentence, he was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years, ordered to undergo 30 days of rehabilitation activity, and required to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

• Arrest: April 2024 by SWROCU
• Plea: Guilty, May 2025
• Sentencing: Bristol Magistrates' Court, 23 June 2025
• Suspended sentence: 28 weeks for 18 months
• Sex Offenders' Register: 7 years
• Rehabilitation: 30 days
• Unpaid work: 80 hours

Temporary Detective Inspector Alex Spargo from the SWROCU Online Investigations Team commented on the case, stating: "Barry Geering thought he was communicating with a child when he used Snapchat to engage in sexual communications. The work of our team means he was promptly identified and arrested – and, critically, he no longer works as a police officer."

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper expressed her dismay, saying: "I am appalled by the actions of this former officer. I also recognise that this may impact upon trust and confidence our communities have in Wiltshire Police. The abhorrent crime, for which he has been sentenced, is against everything that we represent. Our core priority is to protect the most vulnerable in society, and to keep everyone safe."

The case was part of broader efforts by SWROCU, which collaborates with a national network of officers to combat online offences, including child sexual exploitation. Geering's actions came to light through these targeted operations, highlighting the risks posed by individuals in positions of authority.