A MAN who had a distinguished 34-year career as a police officer in India was caught with child abuse images and extreme pornography.

Sunil Sukma, 58, was spared a prison sentence at Bournemouth Crown Court but placed on the sex offenders register for five years.

Sukma, of Polperro Place, Poole, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image.

Prosecuting, Peter Pride told the court that police received a referral that in summer 2020 the defendant had uploaded an indecent image onto Facebook, which was a category A image – the most serious.

Sukma was arrested by police in March of this year.

"Two mobile phones were seized from him," said Mr Pride.

"It was apparent from the downloads of those devices that they contained offending images."

The court heard there were nine category A images – including a video of a five-year-old girl.

There were also 44 category B images, 31 category C images and one image of extreme pornography concerning a sexual act with an animal.

Mr Pride said the images which were accessible provided a timeframe from 2019.

"Interviewed under caution, the defendant accepted possession of the images," said the prosecutor.

The court heard that Sukma said he had not asked for the images but they had been sent to him.

"He was aware of their illegality but denied having a sexual interest in children," said Mr Pride.

The defendant had no previous convictions or cautions.

Judge Brian Forster QC said he did not know how the defendant had placed himself in the position he found himself in.

Mitigating, Rob Griffiths said Sukma served with the police in India for 34 years, receiving a president's medal in 2019.

"Between 2011 and 2019 he was graded as outstanding in terms of his performance," said Rob Griffiths.

The court heard the defendant received 133 good service mentions, multiple commendations and other recognition for his work in policing.

Mr Griffiths said this demonstrated "what a fine officer he was", adding that prior to his criminal behaviour he was a man of "exemplary character and it is a great shame the first time he offends it is in this way".

"Not only has he let himself down, he has let down the people who support him," said Judge Forster QC.

In sentencing the defendant to a three-year community order, Judge Forster QC said: "The police came to your home in suspicious circumstances. You were then found to have in your possession images of a terrible nature, even involving a child believed to be as young as five.

"You must understand that children are real victims in these crimes."

The judge said those who view indecent images "create an industry" for those type of situations to arise.

"I take into account your character," said Judge Forster QC. "I take into account that you have not been in trouble before. I take into account that you as a family are hardworking people and I understand the stress that this whole situation would have caused."

Mr Griffiths had persuaded the judge not to send the defendant to prison, the court heard.

Judge Forster QC said it was in the public and Sukma's interest that he was subject to a a court order for longer than a the two years a suspended sentence would allow.

The defendant must complete up to 30 rehabilitation activity days, pay an £85 surcharge and £480 costs. He was placed on the sex offenders register for five years and subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same period of time.

The judge ordered forfeiture and destruction of the devices police seized.

Dorset Police said they did not hold a custody image of Sukma.

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