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A perverted police officer abused his position to obtain naked photographs of members of the public – including a 16-year-old girl.
Former PC Joel Choudhury used his own phone to take pictures of other people’s phones as well as surreptitiously taking photographs of a vulnerable crime victim’s chest as she sat in her living room.
The photos were uncovered when when Lancashire Constabulary’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) began an unrelated investigation and searched his phone.
Among the collection of photographs he had obtained while on duty were:
- 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. The images show the woman’s chest area and were taken by Choudhury in the victim’s living room
- Two images of a lock screen featuring a selfie of a naked woman which had been taken from her ex-partner’s phone when he was arrested
Choudhury, who was based in the South Division which includes Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancs, was suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the investigation into his conduct.
The 44-year-old, 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 during Friday (6 December) where he was jailed for 16 months and given a seven year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Reil, from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), 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 while 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.”
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.
Anyone with concerns regarding Lancashire police officers or staff is advised to email [email protected] or contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 08000850000.
