Police worker who asked woman for images jailed

Derek Falkingham used a non-police email address to contact the victim, who he had met in a professional capacity

A police staff worker who persistently asked for sexually explicit photos from a vulnerable woman, who he had met professionally, has been jailed.

Derek Falkingham, who had previously been a long-serving police officer, sent a questionnaire he had devised himself to the victim which asked for sexual information, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Falkingham, who lives near Leeds and had previously pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in public office, was sentenced to 10 months in prison on Thursday.

His age, address, the force he worked for and the role he had at the time of the offences cannot be disclosed because of reporting restrictions imposed by the judge.

The court was told that Falkingham emailed the woman using a non-police email address and with contact details he had obtained through his work.

It was said that the woman had a history of abusive relationships and was in a particularly "vulnerable" position.

Victim's 'great courage'

Over the course of two weeks across September and October 2023, Falkingham engaged in "sexually explicit" conversations with her and requested images.

It was said the victim felt "compelled to comply" because of the "persistent" nature of the requests and she eventually sent Falkingham three photos of her in her underwear.

The court was told the woman had shown great "courage" in reporting Falkingham's actions to the police, but that this had come "at great cost to herself".

It was said the impact on her was so significant she now wished she had not reported the offending.

Falkingham had been a police officer for 30 years with an "exemplary" record of service before taking up a civilian role in a force, the court heard.

Mitigating, Christopher Dunn, said Falkingham "couldn't explain" why he had behaved as he had.

"He is as baffled as anyone else," he said. "The shame he will carry as a result of his offending is something he struggles with every minute of every day."

Sentencing him, Judge Alexander Menary said that while Falkingham's behaviour was out of character, "there is a long-standing principle that the public must and should have faith and trust in police officers and police staff".

"I would be failing in my public duty if I was to do anything other than send you to prison immediately."

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