Serving Cop Groomed 13 Year-Old Girl

A serving police officer, caught canoodling with a 13 year-old girl he groomed on the internet and met for park trysts, will be sentenced at the end of the month.

Andrew Gouge, 34, who was based within the Met's Territorial Policing was caught kissing and fondling the teen in public and reported by a member of the public.

He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court (pictured) to meeting a child following grooming and sexual activity with a child.

Gouge, of Charing Close, Bromley was arrested on April 24 after he was spotted with the girl in Orpington.

Inquiries established that Gouge had first met the victim, who was aged thirteen years-old at the time, via an internet chatroom.

After exchanging BBM details they met up on a number of occasions, usually in public parks, where they would kiss.



Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Andrew Gouge has shown himself to be someone who has targeted, groomed and exploited a vulnerable young child for his own sexual needs.

“His conduct has caused significant harm and the investigation highlights the need to remain vigilent to the risks posed by social media and the internet in order to safeguard children.

“The Metropolitan Police Service is committed to protecting children and bringing sexual predators like Gouge to justice."



Commander Allan Gibson, Directorate of Professional Standards, said: "Gouge signed up to protect and serve his community; but seriously failed in that commitment and has caused untold harm to the victim, her family and his own friends and colleagues.

“He has tarnished the reputation of both the organisation and his colleagues.

“All members of the police service are expected to behave impeccably whilst on and off duty. Gouge did no such thing."



He will be sentenced on September 30.