Former Bristol police officer jailed for 13 months after admitting child sex offences
36 year old Michael Elmer was a PC with Avon and Somerset Police
Last updated 20th Apr 2026
After making and distributing indecent images of children, a former Bristol police officer has today been sentenced to 13 months behind bars.
Michael Elmer, 36, a former PC, appeared at Exeter Crown Court where he'd previously pleaded guilty to five charges after being arrested in May 2025 following information to the force's internet cild abuse team.
In a statement, Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly has called Elmer's actions "abhorrent" - after police held what they called an "accelerated misconduct hearing" to ensure he can never work again in policing.
It was May last year when Avon and Somerset's online Child Abuse Team received information and the former PC was arrested.
A victim impact statement from a woman he sent images to talked about the "trauma" of seeing the image and being left wondering "who may possess it now and how it will be used?"
She called it "deeply distressing" as the original image had only been shared by her privately and told the court she felt "sad, disgusted and humiliated", but added: "I chose to forgive you, but not for your benefit."
The court also heard images had been doctored by the defendant using AI, and the defendant felt 'genuine remorse' as his history of depression and autism was outlined.
His Honour Judge David Evans reflected on the break up of Elmer's marriage since the offending came to light and the seriousness of the crime, committed by a serving police officer.
He said whilst the defendant was someone with a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, the nature of the offending and subsequent actions meant only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate
What have police said?
After the accelerated misconduct hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly said: “As soon as we became aware of the offences, an investigation was launched and he was suspended from duty. The outcome of this misconduct process means he will never be able to work in policing or any other law enforcement role again.
“His deplorable actions have appalled his former colleagues, who he’s severely let down, along with the public he took an oath to serve and protect.
“We will always take robust action when officers or staff members fail to meet the high standards expected of them, but it’s also important to stress these cases do not reflect the hard work, dedication and courage of the vast majority.”
What were the charges that the former PC admitted?
Three counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.
One count of distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.
One count of sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state for the purpose of sexual gratification.