Misconduct hearing decision for police officer and cadet leader with indecent images of children
A former police officer and cadet leader in West Mercia Police found guilty of having indecent images of children would have been fired from his position if he had not resigned, a disciplinary hearing has concluded. Jamie Bunting, 27, admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children as part of an investigation conducted by the force’s Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team. Bunting, who served as an officer at Kidderminster and was also a Cadet Leader for North Worcestershire Volunteer Police Cadets, received a 10-month suspended prison sentence for charges involving indecent images categorized as A, B, and C during his court appearance at Shrewsbury Crown Court in November of last year.
Following an expedited misconduct hearing, West Mercia Police released a statement stating that Bunting’s actions off-duty, which breached professional conduct standards and brought disrepute to the force, would have led to his dismissal if he had not already resigned. Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Jones emphasized the commitment of the police force to remove individuals like Bunting who violate standards of behavior and the law, ensuring they are held accountable and unable to work in policing in the future. Bunting has been listed on the College of Policing Barred List, effectively prohibiting him from seeking employment with any UK police service.
In other news, Princess Anne is scheduled to visit the Royal Welsh Show where she will tour the showground and participate in a meeting. Meanwhile, Powys poultry farms are seeking approval to increase bird capacity on their sites by 185,100. Villagers expressed relief after a large field fire was averted due to prompt action by a farmer and firefighters. A former Mid Wales MP accused of cheating in gambling activities may face trial as late as 2028.
Further reports indicate that a man experienced a suspected medical issue while driving and crashed into a barrier on the busy A442 in Telford. Tragically, a motorcyclist lost his life in a collision with a van on a B-road near Shrewsbury, prompting an appeal for information. An historic Lancaster bomber is scheduled to fly over Shropshire this weekend, with details on the location and timing provided for interested spectators. A violent altercation outside a Telford Indian restaurant resulted in a fractured skull for one individual, followed by a stabbing incident targeting the assailant’s brother in retaliation. On a more positive note, a recently renovated pub in a Shropshire market town is set to reopen with a family fun day, offering a festive atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.