Former RAF wing commander Andrew Thomason convicted of sex offences

A former RAF wing commander has been sentenced to three years in jail after he attempted to engage in sexual activity with a child.

Andrew Thomason, who now goes by the name Groves, was arrested on 20th December in 2018 after he made sexually explicit comments in an internet chatroom.

The 58-year-old’s personal items were subsequently seized, and his car and home searched by Lincolnshire Police.

He was bailed while further analysis of his personal belongings was carried out.

Thomason appeared at Lincoln Crown Court earlier this year on 14 April and was found guilty of two counts of attempting to cause a female aged 13 or over to engage in penetrative sexual activity.

His conviction came after delays in the court process brought on by Covid-19.

Thomason, who was stationed at RAF Cranwell at the time of his arrest, was told he would face three years behind bars when he appeared for sentencing earlier today, Wednesday, 19 July. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Formerly of Windmill Drive in Heckington, Sleaford, Thomason now lives outside of Lincolnshire after he was struck off by the RAF.