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Ex-Avon and Somerset Officer Jailed 13 Months for AI-Doctored Images of Colleague and Children

The case underscores how AI image tools enable sexual exploitation, eroding trust in policing.

Overview

  • Michael Elmer, sentenced Monday at Exeter Crown Court, received 13 months in prison, was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and must comply with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
  • The former Bristol-based constable used AI tools to alter a colleague’s private family and marathon photos to make her appear naked and then shared the fakes online.
  • He pleaded guilty in February to making and distributing indecent images of children, including doctoring photos of girls in school uniforms to make them look semi-naked.
  • Judge David Evans called it sustained, deliberate offending and said Elmer sought out AI to sexualise and objectify images while advertising his manipulation skills to others.
  • The victim told the court she felt angry, disgusted and humiliated, and the force’s deputy chief constable warned the crimes risk further damage to public confidence in the police.