Hertfordshire police will review their vetting process as a rapist officer was known to have made “inappropriate” Facebook likes.

James Ford, 31, was jailed for 18 years and three months, on October 19, with an extended licence period of one year after being found guilty of 10 counts of sexual abuse against the same child.

The former police officer had made several “inappropriate” Facebook likes which were picked up during his vetting process.

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However, it was found to be “disproportionate to refuse vetting at the time” after he claimed they reflected a “much darker sense of humour” from his youth that “did not reflect his adult lifestyle”.

A Herts Police spokesperson said: “Vetting regularly find that people who have had Facebook or other social media accounts from when they were teenagers, do require reviewing and editing when they become adults.

“James Ford’s explanation was reasonable and credible and his account fell into this pattern.

“At the conclusion of the conduct proceedings which will follow now that PC Ford has been convicted, there will be a full review of the process PC Ford went through to become a constable with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

The Comet: James Ford was found guilty of raping a girlJames Ford was found guilty of raping a girl (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)

“This is to identify any learning opportunities moving forward and how we can better improve our existing practices.”

The decision not to refuse vetting was reviewed and ratified, and Ford was issued Police Vetting Clearance on November 7, 2019.

In a victim’s impact statement read to the court by prosecutor Isobel Ascherson, the girl’s mother said: “You should be able to trust a police officer.”

Detective Constable Mark Williamson said: “Ford is a despicable character who showed no remorse for his actions and invented ridiculous stories to defend his position.”

The Comet: Custody image of James FordCustody image of James Ford (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Originally based as a uniformed response officer in East Herts, Ford has been suspended since November last year.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer added: “James Ford has committed the most appalling crime and his sentence today reflects the gravity of them.

“His behaviour has been cowardly and disgusting and I am glad he will be spending many years in prison where he poses no further risk.”

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