Jonathan Fulcher

Jonathan Fulcher, a 34-year-old former police constable from Crediton, Devon, has been spared immediate imprisonment following his admission to serious sexual offences involving indecent images of children. The case, heard at Exeter Crown Court, came to light after Fulcher was entrapped by US law enforcement agents who posed as a 13-year-old girl in an internet chat room. While serving as a PC with the Devon and Cornwall Police, Fulcher posted pictures of himself in uniform alongside images of his genitals, engaging in behaviour that led to his downfall.

The court was informed that a total of 290 indecent images of children were discovered on Fulcher's computer, with four classified as category A—the most severe type depicting child abuse. Fulcher pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, as well as possessing ammunition without a certificate and owning a noxious Pava spray without authorisation. Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC, presiding over the case, highlighted the gravity of the offences, stating they were "all the more serious because you were a serving police officer at the time." Despite the severity, the judge opted for leniency, citing Fulcher's bipolar disorder, which reportedly made him feel "invincible" and prone to risk-taking behaviour.

Fulcher, who had already been sacked from the Devon and Cornwall Police force based in Exeter, faced significant personal consequences. The judge noted, "You have lost your career and your marriage and your personal life is in disarray, but above all I have read reports on your mental health." He expressed "no doubt" in imposing a suspended sentence, describing it as appropriate given the circumstances. The sentencing took place in May 2017, as reported by the BBC, drawing from court proceedings at HM Courts Service.

• Fulcher was sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended for two years.
• He must attend a sex offenders treatment programme and complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities.
• A 10-year registration on the sex offenders register was mandated.
• A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed to restrict his activities.

This case underscores the vulnerabilities within law enforcement and the importance of mental health considerations in sentencing, though it has sparked debate on accountability for those in positions of public trust. Sources include official court records from Exeter Crown Court and BBC News reporting from 5 May 2017.