Serving Herts Police peadophile charged with child sex offences and rape

James Ford, 30, who is an intervention officer who is based in East Herts, is charged with a number of serious child sexual abuse offences.

Following an independent investigation by the Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit, he was charged with assault of a girl under 13 by touching, assault of a girl under 13 by penetration, two charges of rape of a girl aged under 13 and a final charge of committing an act or series of acts to pervert the course of justice.

He was suspended from duty since Friday 22 October,  after nearly two years’ service with the force.

He has been released on bail until Friday 26 November when he will appear at Cambridge Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing.

Deputy Chief Constable Bill Jephson said: “I am deeply concerned that a serving Hertfordshire officer has been charged with such serious offences.

“I also fully recognise that members of the public will also be concerned by this news; however we now need to let criminal proceedings take place and avoid any speculation that could impede the case as it progresses through the court system.”