Geoffrey Poole

A former Gloucestershire police officer, Geoffrey Poole, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for a sex offence against a vulnerable 16-year-old girl. Poole, aged 51 and residing in Memorial Cottages, Coln St Aldwyns near Fairford, admitted to the court that he engaged in sexual intercourse with the teenager between February 18 and March 20, 2023. The case was heard at Gloucester Crown Court, where Recorder Gregory Bull QC described Poole's actions as a 'most terrible breach of trust' due to his grooming of the young girl.

Prosecutor Mary Harley outlined how the offence began after the victim, who had recently ended a relationship and was feeling low, started exchanging text messages with Poole. What began as innocent communication quickly turned flirtatious and escalated into explicit sexual conversations. Harley noted that the teenager responded because she was 'enjoying the interest' from Poole, who exploited her vulnerability. The pair arranged to meet in woodland near Kempsford, where they had unprotected sexual intercourse. Immediately after, the victim regretted her actions, ceased contact with Poole, and confided in her parents. In a victim impact statement, she expressed remorse towards her family but none towards Poole, stating, 'I feel sorry for my mum and dad, but not for him. It makes me feel sick to think about what I’ve done.' She further emphasised that the encounter became sexual only because Poole had instigated it.

During sentencing, Recorder Bull QC acknowledged Poole's previously exemplary character as a police officer, navy veteran, and family man, as well as his low risk of reoffending. However, the judge stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable young women from grooming by men in positions of authority. 'I’m satisfied you had groomed this young girl. You knew she was a lonely young girl that had broken up from her boyfriend. You took advantage of her in circumstances where she could not object,' Bull stated. In addition to the 15-month custodial sentence, Poole will be registered as a sex offender for ten years and has been issued a lifetime ban from working with children.

The case highlights the severe consequences of abusing positions of trust, particularly within law enforcement. Gloucestershire Police, Poole's former employer, were involved in the investigation, underscoring the betrayal felt by the force and the community. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in safeguarding minors from exploitation.