A former Thames Valley Police constable has been sentenced for a child sex offence that occurred in Northamptonshire.
Luke Christopher Horner, aged 24, was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court to six years’ and four months’ for engaging in penetrative sex with a child aged 13-15.
Horner, who was based at Amersham Police Station, was convicted last month following an incident that took place while Horner was off-duty in Rushden, Northamptonshire, on 11 June 2023, involving the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.
The matter was subsequently investigated by Northamptonshire Police.
Horner was arrested and taken into custody on 13 June 2023, and suspended from duty the same day. Horner resigned from Thames Valley Police on 26 July 2023.
Thames Valley Police made an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which decided that the matter should be subject to a local investigation by the force.
An Accelerated Misconduct Meeting took place on 4 September 2023, where it was found that Horner’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.
Former PC Horner would have been dismissed if he were still serving and he is to be placed on the Barred List, meaning he is prevented from re-entering the police service.
Thames Valley Police's Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said: “We are all appalled by Horner’s behaviour, and our thoughts remain with the young girl and her family who have been affected.
“In parallel with the criminal investigation, and as soon as Horner’s offending came to light, Thames Valley Police took decisive action to suspend him, refer the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and instigate misconduct procedures.
“No member of our workforce is above the law and I hope the swift action taken by our force and by the courts goes some way to helping restore the public’s trust and confidence in policing.”
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