🚨 Shocking Case in Newport 🚨
A Gwent Police officer has landed in hot water amid serious allegations. Patrick Higgins, 30, has denied charges of creating indecent images of children but admitted to unauthorised access of computer systems.
👮 While serving as a response officer, Higgins is accused of tapping into police information without a valid reason, with suspicions arising after he allegedly downloaded disturbing images. These images – totalling 75 and categorised into different levels of severity – reportedly surfaced over an 11-month period.
📅 The timeline of accusations spans from October 2023 to August 2024, leading to an intense investigation by Gwent Police’s Counter Corruption Unit. His personal phone was seized, leading to an arrest under suspicions involving misconduct and illicit data gathering.
⚖️ At a recent court hearing in Newport, Higgins pleaded guilty to breaching computer protocols but stood firm in his denial regarding the images. He’s now set to face trial for these serious charges on October 19, 2026. Currently, he remains on bail and has been suspended from duty since his arrest last August.
This case underlines grave concerns over how trusted officials handle sensitive information and their responsibilities in their roles. Keep your eyes on this space for more updates as the trial date nears.
Stay informed, stay aware! 🕵️♂️🔍