Robert Gabbott

A retired Wiltshire Police officer, Robert Gabbott, has admitted to serious sexual offences involving the collection and distribution of indecent images of children. The 64-year-old, also known as Bob, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court in late November 2022, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material.

Gabbott, residing in Elizabeth Close, Melksham, accepted two charges of distributing indecent images of children in categories A and B. Additionally, he admitted to three charges of making (collecting) such images, comprising 200 in category A, 199 in category B, and 457 in category C. Category A images depict penetrative sexual activity, category B non-penetrative sexual activity, and category C other indecent images not falling into the former categories. The offences occurred between 18 September 2021 and 14 January 2022.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Gabbott had messaged a paedophile expressing his desire to 'take virginity of child', highlighting the disturbing nature of his involvement. The court deemed the case too serious for magistrates to handle, transferring it to Swindon Crown Court for sentencing scheduled in January 2023. Gabbott was released on unconditional bail pending the hearing.

Originally from Wiltshire Police, Gabbott is also a member of the Wiltshire Freemasons and volunteered as a marshal at the Melksham vaccination centre. The investigation was led by Wiltshire Police, underscoring the betrayal of public trust by a former officer. As reported by Wiltshire 999s on 6 December 2022, the case has drawn significant attention due to Gabbott's background and the volume of material involved.

Upon conviction, Gabbott was instructed to register as a sex offender within 72 hours of the magistrates' hearing, a requirement that will continue post-sentencing. The full extent of his sentence remains pending, but the guilty pleas confirm his role in the sexual exploitation of children through the possession and sharing of abusive images.