Alan Saffery

Alan Saffery, a 61-year-old former police officer from Hereford, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of historical sexual offences against children spanning the 1970s and 1980s, alongside more recent child pornography charges. Saffery, who once served with West Mercia Police, was convicted at Worcester Crown Court of six counts of indecent assault and two counts of sex with a girl under the age of 13. These crimes involved the abuse of a young girl, exploiting his position of trust within the community.

The court heard that Saffery's offences came to light during another investigation when the victim reported the abuse to officers. In addition to the historical charges, Saffery was found guilty of two counts of making indecent photographs of children in 2013. He was acquitted of two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16 relating to a second alleged victim. The case highlights the long shadow cast by such predatory behaviour, with the offences dating back some 40 years.

Judge Robert Juckes QC, presiding over the trial, emphasised the gravity of Saffery's betrayal of public trust. "Your job was to protect members of the community, not to abuse them," the judge stated during sentencing. Detective Inspector Richard Rees of West Mercia Police described Saffery as a "dangerous sexual predator" who hid behind a facade of respectability. "Outwardly, Saffery was a respected police officer and an upstanding member of the community. However, behind closed doors he was a dangerous sexual predator who took advantage of a young girl," Rees said. "Today his past has caught up with him."

The investigation was conducted by West Mercia Police, the force where Saffery had previously worked. This case underscores the importance of victims coming forward, even decades after the events, to ensure justice is served. Saffery's conviction serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of child sexual abuse and the accountability of those in positions of authority.