A former police officer has been jailed after pleading guilty to three counts of misconduct in public office and making indecent images of child.
Following an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), Joel Choudhury was first arrested in May 2023 following some concerning behaviour.
Choudhury (44) who was a response constable in the South Division at that time was suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the investigation into his conduct.
During an examination of Choudhury’s mobile phone, experts found concerning images which he had captured while on duty, including two naked images of a vulnerable 16-year-old girl which he had captured off her phone, five covertly taken images of a vulnerable female victim of crime where her chest was on display, and two images of a mobile phone lock screen – a selfie of a naked woman. Enquiries found that Choudhury had captured these images off the mobile phone of the woman’s ex-partner after he had been arrested.
Misconduct
After consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service, Choudhury, of no fixed address, was charged with three counts of misconduct in public office and making indecent images of child. The indecent image offences related to the photographs he had taken off the 16-year-old girl’s mobile phone.
Choudhury pleaded guilty to those offences when he appeared in the dock at Manchester Crown Court in June. He was added to the Sex Offenders Register at that time.
He appeared at the same court on Friday, where he was jailed for 16 months and given a seven year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Choudhury resigned from the Constabulary while under investigation earlier this year. However, an accelerated misconduct hearing was held in June where gross misconduct was proved. Choudhury was added to the Barred List, which prevents him from ever working in law enforcement.
“Reprehensible” behaviour
Detective chief inspector Pete Reil said: “Choudhury’s behaviour was completely reprehensible and not compatible with anyone who has the privilege of wearing a police uniform. I welcome the sentence handed down today and hope it demonstrates to the public that this behaviour will not be tolerated by Lancashire Constabulary or the courts.
“This was a proactive investigation which came about on the back of concerns raised about Choudhury’s conduct by ACU officers which carrying out enquiries for an unrelated case. Expedited enquiries revealed his truly appalling behaviour committed against victims of crime at a time when they were particularly vulnerable. As a result Choudhury was quickly arrested and suspended from duty.
“I want to make it clear that the overwhelming majority of police officers in Lancashire are law abiding, respectful and go to work to make a difference in the communities in which they serve. Where there is any evidence of wrongdoing by an officer or staff member, our ACU will identify it, investigate it and work with the Crown Prosecution Service to take the appropriate action.”
If you would like to report any concerns regarding the behaviours of our police officers and staff, email: [email protected]. You can also report anonymously any concerns via CrimeStoppers on 0800 085 0000.
