Jamie Bunting

A former West Mercia Police officer, Jamie Bunting, has been found to have seriously breached professional standards following his admission to child sex offences. Bunting, aged 27 and residing in Westminster Close, Bromsgrove, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children in August 2024. The offences involved images classified under categories A, B, and C, with category A being the most serious.

In November 2024, Bunting was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court to a 10-month term, suspended for two years, specifically for the category A image. Concurrent sentences of six months for the category B image and four months for the category C image were also imposed, both suspended. This sentencing reflects the gravity of the offences while allowing Bunting to avoid immediate custody, subject to compliance with suspension conditions.

Bunting, who was based at Kidderminster Police Station and served as a Cadet Leader for North Worcestershire Volunteer Police Cadets, resigned from West Mercia Police prior to the conclusion of internal proceedings. An accelerated misconduct hearing, as reported by BBC News on 11 July 2025, determined that he would have been dismissed from the force had he not already stepped down. The hearing highlighted his discreditable conduct and the disrepute brought upon the force through actions undertaken off duty.

• Bunting pleaded guilty on 6 August 2024, as per earlier BBC coverage.
• He was charged on 5 August 2024.
• Sentencing occurred on 7 November 2024.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Jones stated: "We will continue to rid West Mercia Police of individuals who have no place in our force and hold them to account to ensure they can never work in policing again. Bunting seriously breached not only the standards of professional behaviour, but he broke the law. He has rightly faced the repercussions of his actions." A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "Bunting seriously breached the professional standards of behaviour by discreditable conduct, by bringing the force in disrepute through his actions while off duty."

As a result of the misconduct findings, Bunting has been added to the College of Policing Barred List, permanently barring him from employment with any UK police service. This case underscores the rigorous accountability measures within West Mercia Police to maintain public trust and professional integrity.