Ex-police officer jailed for 'despicable' child sex crimes
A former Walsall police officer has been jailed for 13 years for a string of child sex offences.
Ross O'Grady originally pleaded not guilty to eight charges of sexual assault against three victims between 2014 and 2016.
The 47-year-old, of High Street, Brownhills, later admitted to five offences during a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court and was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
He will be placed on the sex offender register for life.
O’Grady was dismissed by the force on June 10, 2016, for gross misconduct relating to an unrelated theft matter.
The sexual offences then came to light in 2017 when the victims came forward to report the crimes.
They also relived their trauma at court, so West Midlands Police could bring O'Grady to justice.
The police investigation determined that some of these offences were carried out while he was a serving police officer.
Detective Sergeant Sam Kirk, from the public protection unit at West Midlands Police, said: "O'Grady's behaviour was despicable.
"He held a position of trust and he abused this by committing these heinous crimes.
“I commend the bravery of his victims, it has been an extremely traumatic time for them.
“There is no place in society for this kind of behaviour and O’Grady must now serve time behind bars."
O'Grady was jailed on October 30.
For further support, advice and information visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/child-sexual-abuse
