Kurt Haydon

A former police officer from Cannock has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of serious sexual offences involving indecent images of children. Kurt Haydon, aged 38, downloaded and possessed imagery, including videos, depicting the abuse of children between the ages of nine and 12. The material was categorised as A, B, and C under UK law, with category A representing the most severe and explicit content.

The case came to light in 2019 when police seized two devices, including a laptop, from a house linked to Haydon during an unrelated investigation. Forensic examination revealed the indecent images had been downloaded over a prolonged period, from 2011 to 2018. Haydon, who served as a constable with West Midlands Police, was suspended from duty in May 2021 and subsequently resigned from the force. He was charged with three counts related to the possession and distribution of the images and found guilty following a trial at Stafford Crown Court.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Daniel Wright informed the court that the crimes spanned 'over a relatively long period of time'. Haydon maintained his innocence, claiming in his defence that he was not responsible for downloading the images and that others had access to his devices. However, the jury rejected this account, convicting him on all counts.

Recorder Julian Taylor, delivering the sentence, addressed Haydon directly, stating: 'These are real children who have been abused because of people like you accessing these ghastly images.' He emphasised Haydon's position as a police officer, noting: 'You, as a police officer, would have known this. All the more tragic for you is that you had an exemplary record in the police force.' The judge also acknowledged the impact on Haydon's family, adding: 'Your family have suffered because of this. You are fortunate not to be going to prison immediately.'

In addition to the 18-month custodial sentence suspended for two years, Haydon was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work. He will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration. The case was reported by BBC News West Midlands on 10 August 2023, drawing from court proceedings at Stafford Crown Court and statements from the prosecution.