Two retired officers jailed for conspiracy to share child sex abuse images

Jeremy Laxton, 62, and Jack Addis, 63 were sentenced for distributing or showing indecent images of children to each other between January 2018 and July 2021.

Both were serving with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) at the time.

Specialist investigators described the images “as some of the most serious they had ever seen”.

As part of the same investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had also authorised charges of conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent photos of a child, voyeurism and two counts of misconduct in public office against Chief Inspector Richard Watkinson, 49, who was then a serving officer with the MPS’s West Area Command Unit.

He was found dead at his home on the day he was due to answer bail. Thames Valley Police is treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

The CPS said Addis and Laxton had “access to, and shared, many indecent images of children”, including thousands of indecent pictures and videos that were shared on a hard drive uncovered at Watkinson’s mother’s address.

The offences had taken place between January 1, 2018, and September 20, 2021.

After pleading guilty to the alleged offences on May 25 this year, they were both sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday (July 28).

Laxton was jailed for five years and nine months, and Addis was sentenced to three years and nine months. Both will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.

Laxton, from Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent photos of a child, possession of prohibited images of a child, possession of extreme pornographic images, and intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence of misconduct in a public office.

Addis, formerly of Perthshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children.

Commander Jon Savell, head of professionalism in the MPS, said: “I am pleased to see that the sentences imposed here reflect the gravity of the abhorrent offences.

“The content that these men had been viewing has been described by seasoned specialist investigators as some of the most serious they had ever seen.

“We must never forget that in each video or picture is a real child victim who has suffered unimaginable abuse. The effects of child sexual abuse are often traumatic and life-long, and Laxton and Addis both sought sexual gratification from that suffering.

“As a police service we strive to protect the most vulnerable members of society, especially children, and I know officers who served with them will feel utterly betrayed by their disgusting actions. We are sickened that they are former colleagues.”

He said the convictions followed a lengthy and complex investigation by the MPS Specialist Crime officers in liaison with Police Scotland and Lincolnshire Police.

Laxton was arrested in September 2021 and Addis in November 2021. They were later released on bail.

Their homes were searched extensively and computer equipment was seized for specialist examination.

Officers discovered thousands of pornographic images and videos of children, of which 2,516 were graded as Category A, depicting the most serious levels of violence and sexual abuse. A further 1,032 Category B and 1,701 Category C images/videos, and six extreme pornographic images, some involving bestiality, were also found.

Laxton was also found to have in his own collection more than 6,000 Category A, 4,039 Category B and 3,597 Category C images/videos, seven prohibited images and 56 extreme pornographic images.

The images and videos had been shared via hard drives that they would post among each other and hide in concealed spaces in their homes.

“As part of the same investigation, charges had also been authorised against a then-serving officer attached to the West Area Command Unit, Chief Inspector Richard Watkinson, who was aged 49,” said the MPS.

“He was due to answer bail on Thursday, January 12, to be charged with conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent photos of a child, voyeurism and two counts of misconduct in public office. He had been suspended since his arrest.

“He was found deceased at his home in Buckinghamshire that same day. This matter is led by Thames Valley Police, who are treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious and are preparing a file for the coroner. We will provide every assistance while that process is ongoing.”

Christian Meikle, Senior District Crown Prosecutor at the CPS, said: “The offences Addis and Laxton committed are shocking, especially given their role as police officers who were expected to protect the most vulnerable members of society, and the public will feel betrayed by their actions.

“Following a thorough investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the case was referred to the CPS, who then prosecuted the case. When faced with the evidence of their crimes, they had little choice but to plead guilty.

“This case illustrates the determination of investigators and the CPS to pursue child sexual offenders who have no place in society.

“The CPS are determined to help stop the devastating impact of these crimes on victims.”