A former Detective Superintendent jailed for possession of extreme pornography

A former detective superintendent has today been jailed for possessing extreme pornographic images after illegal files were found on his phone.

Stuart Cheek, 44, who worked for Hertfordshire Police, was found to have files classed as extreme pornography on his personal phone when it was searched by specially trained officers.

The illegal images - which include scenes of pornographic acts likely to cause serious harm and bestiality - were sent and received via WhatsApp Messenger under the display name ‘Cheeky’. 

The CPS worked closely with Bedfordshire Police and experts throughout the investigation, building a strong case against Cheek, which saw him convicted of two counts of possessing extreme pornography at Cambridge Crown Court in July this year. 

Clare Forsdike, District Crown Prosecutor from the East of England Complex Casework Unit, said: “Stuart Cheek knowingly shared and received files that contained images of illegal extreme pornographic acts.  

“The sharing and viewing of images of extreme pornography is not a victimless crime. At the CPS we are determined to secure justice for these abhorrent crimes, whoever the perpetrator.”

Cheek was also convicted of one count of unauthorised access to computer material on several dates

During the course of the investigations into Cheek, the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standard’s Department worked closely with Bedfordshire Police to ascertain whether he had misused the force’s systems.  

The CPS authorised the additional charge, following an audit, which found he had accessed a number of files on a number of police systems without a legitimate policing purpose. 

Clare Forsdike added, “Cheek’s actions were an abuse of power and a criminal act.

“He had no right to view the information he accessed and no right to share the information with another unauthorised individual. 

“His actions were a gross abuse of his position and he demonstrated further disregard for the law he is meant to uphold.”

Stuart Cheek has been be sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at Aylesbury Crown Court.