June 2022

North Yorks police officer downloaded nearly 9,000 indecent images of children

A North Yorks police officer who downloaded nearly 9,000 indecent images of children over a seven-year period has avoided a prison sentence.

Christopher Groom, 41, was found to have 8,707 photos on a mobile and laptop seized from his home.

Groom, who resigned from North Yorkshire Police following his arrest, pleaded guilty in May to making indecent images between 2014 and 2021.

The ex-Hambleton and Richmond response officer was given an 18-month community order at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.

He was also ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation days with Safer Lives and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Groom, of Main Street, in Claxton, Malton, was also placed on the Register of Sex Offenders for five years and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.