Former officer convicted

A 27 year old former Suffolk Police officer from Risby has been convicted of an offence relating to making indecent content of children.

Robert Askew of Quay’s Road in Risby pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates Court on May 27 to one count of making a category C movie of children. He will be sentenced on Monday 13 July.

He was arrested on 13 August 2024 after information was received regarding the uploading of illegal material online. Officers attended an address in Stowmarket and during a search of the property, police seized digital devices which were later examined by specialist forensic officers. Askew was interviewed following his arrest and subsequently charged.

He was suspended as soon as the allegations were reported to the constabulary’s Professional Standards Department (PSD).

DCC Dan Vajzovic said: “The overwhelming majority of our officers and staff are professional, committed and passionate about safeguarding our communities.

“This former probationary officer’s actions were abhorrent and undermine the fantastic work of so many of our officers and staff in protecting our communities. The public rightly expects the highest standards of behaviour from both police officers and staff, and we remain steadfast in our determination to continue to root out those who betray the confidence of the community we serve and fellow colleagues.”

Askew resigned from the force in April this year.