Paedophile police officer loses half his West Midlands force pension

Former West Midlands Police officer Allan Richards, who was also a Scoutmaster, was jailed for 22 years after being convicted of 40 offences against 23 young boys two years ago.

The offences included rape and indecent assault are dated back to the 1970s.

After an application by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, a decision has now been taken to forfeit part of his pension.

It came into play on August 7. The maximum 50 per cent of Richards' pension will be withheld – all of the police force's contributions.

Mr Jamieson, said: “Richards committed a series of crimes that brought shame on the force and misery to his victims.

“His crimes are the ultimate breach of trust. He exploited his position and the victims he was meant to be protecting at the lowest point in their lives.

“I have ensured West Midlands Police put in place measures to stop something like this ever happening again.

“I have decided to withhold as much of Richards’ pension as legal advice allows.”

Richards retired from in 2011, having served in the West Midlands force since 1981.

He was a constable and a member of Birmingham CID investigating some of the most serious crimes.

His offending spanned from 1976 to 2013 and he was convicted last October after two trials at Birmingham Crown Court. He denied all the charges.

During a search of his former home in Thaxted Road, Tile Cross, Birmingham, detectives found a list of 35 male names Richards had a ‘sexual interest’ in.

They also discovered diaries where Richards kept details of ‘touching’ boys as well as describing their underwear, and notes of their pubic and body hair

He escaped prosecution in 2000 and 2004 following complaints to police but both times no action was taken. He went on to abuse six more victims.