Richard Sweet

A former traffic policeman from Sheffield has admitted to possessing and distributing child pornography, marking a shocking end to his 24-year career with South Yorkshire Police.

Richard Sweet, aged 49, pleaded guilty at Hull Crown Court to making eight indecent images of children and one charge of distributing an indecent image via email. He also asked for six other similar offences to be taken into consideration. The court heard that Sweet had exchanged explicit pictures of children engaged in sexual activity with a man from Northern Ireland, who is now serving a three-year custodial sentence for related crimes.

The investigation began when a member of the public reported indecent images appearing in an internet chat room. South Yorkshire Police tracked down Sweet through digital evidence, leading to his arrest. Notably, Sweet had deleted the disc containing the images 12 months prior to police questioning, claiming he had turned his back on child pornography before the offences were detected.

• Sweet served as a constable with South Yorkshire Police for 24 years with an unblemished record until his dismissal upon discovery of the offences.
• He is married, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the case.
• Judge Mr Justice Andrew Smith sentenced Sweet to a three-year community rehabilitation order, which includes mandatory sex counselling, sparing him immediate imprisonment due to his voluntary cessation of the activity.

Sweet's barrister, Richard Barradell, highlighted his client's long service and lack of prior issues during mitigation. The judge ordered Sweet to register on the National Sex Offenders Register for five years and to notify police of any change of address. This case underscores the pervasive reach of online child exploitation and the consequences for those involved, even former public servants.

Source: BBC News, 12 February 2003. 'Former policeman admits child porn charges.' Reported from Hull Crown Court proceedings.