David Surridge

A former police officer from Coventry has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing a teenage girl over three decades ago. David Surridge, now 70, was a special constable with Warwickshire Police in the 1980s when he began grooming his victim by buying her gifts and alcohol, and taking her on days out, during which he indecently assaulted her multiple times.

The offences came to light in 2022 when the victim, inspired by a television programme about grooming, reported the abuse to the police. An investigation by Warwickshire Police confirmed that Surridge had groomed the teenager before carrying out the assaults. Surridge, who later became a regular officer with the force, pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault at Warwick Crown Court on 27 September 2024. He was sentenced shortly after, receiving a seven-year custodial term.

In a statement to officers, the victim expressed that she had long blamed herself for the incidents but now recognised herself as a victim. Detective Constable Heather Webb, who led the investigation, praised the victim's bravery, stating: "The victim has shown great bravery in contacting police and supporting this investigation. This outcome shows that time is no barrier to delivering justice. I hope it gives other victims of sexual offences, no matter when they happened, the confidence to come forward."

Detective Superintendent Paul Thompson from Warwickshire Police emphasised the betrayal of trust involved, saying: "Surridge should have been protecting vulnerable people, not exploiting them." The case underscores the long-term impact of grooming and sexual abuse, with the victim only coming forward after years of silence, prompted by public awareness efforts.

• Offences occurred in the 1980s, with specific details emerging from the 2022 investigation.
• Surridge resided in Coventry at the time of sentencing.
• The court proceedings took place at Warwick Crown Court.