A former Cleveland Police officer has pleaded guilty to 11 counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl over the course of a year. Nathan Henderson, 30, appeared at Durham Crown Court via video link from prison where he admitted to the charges spanning July 2024 to July 2025. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
The charges detail a disturbing pattern of abuse against the same victim. Three of the counts refer to the girl being 14 years old, while eight others refer to her being 14 or 15, indicating the offenses continued as she aged. Henderson also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, telling the court: "I don't remember doing it, but guilty."
Court proceedings reveal defense strategy
Henderson's defense counsel Sam Faulks indicated a controversial basis of plea may be submitted to the court. The former officer claims the relationship contained "coercive and threatening elements," though his legal team acknowledged that a defense of duress would not be legally available to him. Henderson asked the court: "Could I just ask… the circumstances, are they explained?"
Defense barrister Faulks told Judge Joanne Kidd that Henderson "feels there were certain elements within the relationship that were coercive and threatening, but he would wish to reflect upon disclosure before he advances that." The comments suggest Henderson may attempt to portray himself as having been under pressure during the offenses.
Police force takes decisive action
Cleveland Police dismissed Henderson from the force on August 15, permanently barring him from any future police employment. Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland condemned the crimes as "incredibly shocking and appalling" and thanked the victim for their courage in reporting the offenses.
Sutherland emphasized the severity of the betrayal of public trust, stating: "Offences of this nature when committed by a member of the public are abhorrent, however, when they have been committed by a police officer it is incredibly shocking and appalling." He added that such "criminal acts will not be tolerated at Cleveland Police, nor in the police service as a whole."
Sources used: "PA Media", "thenorthernecho.co.uk", "The Standard"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
