Jailed: Paedophile worked with West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's office
A man who worked with the office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has been jailed for two years and eight months over child sexual offences.
Darryl Moffatt, from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to a total of seven offences in December 21 and was jailed today.
The 30-year-old had been a school partnership engagement officer for the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC)
Moffatt worked with secondary schools across Birmingham to commission activities to help steer young people away from crime, although a statement from the OPCC said “the crimes he has been found guilty of are not connected to his work.”
He held the role between September 2017 and June last year before his arrest on June 19, and was immediately suspended.
Moffatt, of Short Heath Road, Erdington, had pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent photographs of a child and one charge of distributing an indecent image of a child. He also admitted two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and one count of attempting to cause or incite a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.
An investigation by West Midlands Police discovered Moffatt downloaded various material from social media and the internet – and had been involved in a series of messages, online chats and meetings with boys as young as 14.
Moffatt was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court and will be the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for five years – and will be placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
Concerns
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Batey, from the force’s public protection unit, said: “Moffatt’s actions were deplorable. He has abused his position of trust and should have understood the impact his actions will have had on those involved.
“All secondary schools that Moffatt was in contact with as part of his role have been kept fully updated throughout our investigation as we recognise the difficulties and concerns that this may have caused. This behaviour is not acceptable, we’re committed to finding those perpetrating such crimes against children, and seeking justice.
“I’d urge anyone who has suffered from this type of abuse to come forward and report what has happened. We have specialist officers available to support you.”
A statement from the OPCC said: “The crimes he has been found guilty of are not connected to his work.
”Nonetheless the shock and disappointment that people feel are shared by us. The gravity of his crimes should not be understated. We are all deeply saddened by the events that have unfolded.
“Throughout the investigation we have worked closely with the police, local authorities and schools to ensure the safety and well-being of students and young people.
“Justice has been served, but we would urge any victim of sexual crimes to report those crimes to the police using the link west-midlands.police.uk/your-options. In an emergency dial 999.”
Survivors of sexual abuse can also speak to the NSPCC 24 hours a day on 0808 800 5000 and more information can be found at nspcc.org.uk
