PC admits pretending to be paedophile hunter to blackmail suspect

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A police officer from South Yorkshire has confessed to attempting to extort money from a man under investigation for possessing child abuse images by posing as a member of a paedophile hunting group. Marie Thompson, a PC with South Yorkshire Police, sent the suspect an anonymous email in 2023 claiming to be from “Paedophile Hunters” and demanded £3,500 to keep quiet about the information. The man reported the contact to the police, with Thompson, 29, later admitting to blackmail and perverting the course of justice at Leeds Crown Court.

Thompson, who is currently suspended from her position, was the lead investigator in the man’s case and had arrested and questioned him in October 2022. In January 2023, the man received an email instructing him to transfer £3,500 to a specific bank account. Thompson also sent an anonymous text to the man’s partner, urging a response by the end of the day. Despite her attempts, the man did not make any payments, and Thompson later apologized for her actions, citing desperation.

An internal investigation was launched after suspicions arose regarding Thompson’s behavior. She was arrested in October 2023 and suspended from her duties when it was discovered that the blackmail text had been sent from her personal mobile phone. Evidence from the inquiry indicated that the emails were sent from her laptop, and it was revealed that Thompson was facing substantial gambling debts. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS’ special crime division, condemned Thompson’s actions as “disgraceful” and “reprehensible,” emphasizing the breach of public trust that occurred.

Det Supt James Axe from South Yorkshire Police denounced Thompson’s actions as “wholly inexcusable” and “shameful.” He emphasized that her former colleagues and the public alike were appalled by her crimes. Thompson was released on bail pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for 30 October

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