Making indecent images of children.

Former Stevenage Police Officer Jailed for Corruption and Child Abuse Images

A former police officer based in Stevenage, Ben Pitelen (45), has been sentenced to 25 months in prison after pleading guilty to corruption and the creation of indecent images of children.

Pitelen, who was stationed with the Roads Policing Unit in Stevenage, was suspended from Hertfordshire Constabulary in July 2020 when the offenses came to light. He was subsequently dismissed from the force at a special hearing in September 2020.

The corruption charge against Pitelen stemmed from inappropriate sexual communication with a third party. He joined the constabulary in 2000 and served solely in uniform roles, working as a response constable from 2000 to 2004 before transitioning to roads policing. He remained in this role until the allegations came to light.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Matt Nicholls stated, "These are very serious offenses involving an officer who has betrayed the trust placed in him in an appalling way. I hope the public is reassured by our continued efforts to tackle corruption in the service and bring offenders to justice."