Two retired Met officers have been jailed following a complex Specialist Crime investigation.
Jeremy Laxton, 63 (21.03.60), of Lincolnshire, and Jack Addis, 63 (05.11.59), formerly of Perthshire, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 25 May.
Laxton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent photos of a child, possession of prohibited images of a child, possession of extreme pornographic images, and intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence of misconduct in a public office.
Addis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children.
They were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 28 July. Laxton received a total of five years and nine months’ imprisonment, and Addis a total of three years and nine months’ improvement. Both will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
Commander Jon Savell, head of professionalism in the Met, said: “I am pleased to see that the sentences imposed here reflect the gravity of the abhorrent offences.
“The content that these men had been viewing has been described by seasoned specialist investigators as some of the most serious they had ever seen.
“We must never forget that in each video or picture is a real child victim who has suffered unimaginable abuse. The effects of child sexual abuse are often traumatic and life-long, and Laxton and Addis both sought sexual gratification from that suffering.
“As a police service we strive to protect the most vulnerable members of society, especially children, and I know officers who served with them will feel utterly betrayed by their disgusting actions. We are sickened that they are former colleagues.”
This followed a lengthy and complex investigation by Met Specialist Crime officers in liaison with Police Scotland and Lincolnshire Police.
Laxton was arrested in September 2021 and Addis in November 2021. They were later released on bail.
Their homes were searched extensively, and a wealth of computer equipment was seized for specialist examination.
Officers discovered thousands of pornographic images and videos of children, of which 2,516 were graded as Category A, depicting the most serious levels of violence and sexual abuse. A further 1,032 Category B and 1,701 Category C images/videos, and six extreme pornographic images, some involving bestiality, were also found.
Laxton was also found to have in his own collection over 6,000 Category A, 4,039 Category B and 3,597 Category C images/videos, seven prohibited images and 56 extreme pornographic images.
The images and videos had been shared via hard drives that they would post among each other and hide in concealed spaces in their homes.
The offences had taken place between 1 January 2018 and 20 September 2021.
As part of the same investigation, charges had also been authorised against a then-serving officer attached to the West Area Command Unit, Chief Inspector Richard Watkinson, who was aged 49. He was due to answer bail on Thursday, 12 January to be charged with conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent photos of a child, voyeurism and two counts of misconduct in public office. He had been suspended since his arrest.
He was found deceased at his home in Buckinghamshire that same day. This matter is led by Thames Valley Police, who are treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious and are preparing a file for the coroner. We will provide every assistance while that process is ongoing.
If you have been affected by child sexual abuse, you can contact police on 101 and speak to a police officer in confidence. If you are not ready to speak to the police, there are support services available that can help you if you are a survivor of abuse.
Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC confidentially on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111
Help and support is also available via the confidential Stop It Now helpline – part of the Lucy Faithful Foundation. Further details of this can be found on the Stop It Now website here: www.stopitnow.org.uk”
