Serving Bristol police officer accused of child sex offences

A serving Bristol police officer has been accused of a number of serious child sexual offences. Thomas Kettleborough, an Inspector based at Avon and Somerset Police's Headquarters, was first arrested in July 2023.

The 35-year-old was suspected of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, before being released on police bail. He was suspended from service as an investigation was carried out. Kettleborough was then arrested on suspicion of further offences on March 19 this year. The 35-year-old has since been charged with a number of offences.

Kettleborough was also involved in the Royal Marine Cadets and the Royal Lifesaving Society UK. Avon and Somerset Police reports that none of the charges relate to his voluntary work with these organisations.

Thomas Kettleborough has been charged with the following offences:

• Arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence
• Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
• Attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity
• Five counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child
• Four counts of making an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• Assaulting an emergency worker (police officer)

Kettleborough will appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Wednesday, October 23. The force have reassured the public and said that a "full criminal investigation" was carried out.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “We know the public’s trust and confidence in policing nationally remains fragile and we have a shared desire to increase the confidence the public have in us. We will continue to take decisive action and be clear about what behaviours and standards we expect from our people. Where these standards are not met, we’ll take swift and robust action.

“Where there is an allegation of a criminal offence being committed, a thorough investigation will always be carried out and where there is sufficient evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service will be asked to consider criminal charges.

“Throughout this investigation we’ve worked closely with the voluntary organisations this officer was involved with, as well as with the Local Authority Designated Officer, to ensure any safeguarding measures were prioritised. It’s important to reiterate the vast majority of our officers and staff dedicate themselves to public service and to keeping our communities safe.”

Full criminal investigation

Avon and Somerset Police added: "We’d like to reassure the public that we take all allegations extremely seriously and a full criminal investigation was swiftly initiated from the outset. Our Professional Standards Department are carrying out a separate investigation into potential breaches of standards of professional behaviour – this is an internal process separate to the criminal investigation.

"To protect the integrity of the ongoing criminal proceedings, we’re unable to go into more specific detail of the allegations at this stage. Thomas Kettleborough was involved with two voluntary organisations, the Royal Marine Cadets and the Royal Lifesaving Society UK. Following his arrest, we ensured all safeguarding measures were in place. None of the offences he is charged with relate to his voluntary roles."

They continued: "If you have any relevant information and want to speak to specialist officers directly about this case, you can contact us online here: Contact us | Avon and Somerset Police and please use the reference number 5224157243. If you’re not able to contact us online, please call 101 and use the same reference number."