Police officer found guilty of sex offences committed before he became an officer

A serving Warwickshire Police officer has today (Friday 20 December) been found guilty of sexual offences against teenage girls. The offences were committed before he became a police officer.

PC Paul Hanson, 33, a response officer based at Bedworth, committed the offences against three teenage girls in the 2000s and early 2010s.

Following a trial at Warwick Crown Court he was found guilty of six counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 23 January.

The court heard that he committed the offences after befriending the girls in Nuneaton.

Lead investigator, Detective Constable James Pomeroy from Warwickshire Police said: “I would like to praise the bravery of the victims whose support has ensured Hanson will face justice for his crimes. We have ensured they got and will continue to get all the support they need.”

Detective Superintendent Paul Thompson, head of Warwickshire Police Professional Standards Department, said: “Despite these offences being committed before he became an officer, the actions of Hanson bring shame on the profession. He exploited these young, vulnerable girls for his own sexual gratification and will now face the consequences of his actions.

“I hope this verdict provides reassurance that we will always investigate reports of such offending, whenever it occurred, and seek to bring offenders to justice.”

If you have been a victim of a sexual offence and would like more information on how to make a report and the support available go to - Rape and sexual assault | Warwickshire Police