Child sex abuse case PC found dead at home in Norfolk
Gareth Gricks was found dead at his home in Dunton, near Fakenham
A police constable who was arrested on suspicion of child sex crimes after returning from a trip to Thailand was found dead at his home, it has emerged.
Norfolk Police said Gareth Gricks, 53, was found hanging at his home in Dunton, near Fakenham, on 6 August.
The force said he was suspected of abuse involving victims from south-east Asia, using online forums to make contact with young girls.
Mr Gricks would have faced nine sex offence charges, police said.
They included three counts of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, five offences of sexual assault against a woman and one count of making indecent images of children.
Dismissed from forceA coroner's inquest opening heard Mr Gricks was found in his garage by a family member.
Mr Gricks is understood to have told his family some details about the investigation a few days earlier.
“Start Quote
End Quote Nick Dean Temporary Assistant Chief ConstableAs a result of his death, there can be no criminal prosecution and the investigation, effectively, ceases”
The policeman, who was divorced with adult children, was arrested at his home after returning from a holiday in Thailand in July.
He was later dismissed from the force for gross misconduct.
The charges related to multiple possible victims thought to be aged over 10 and under 16. The alleged offences against the woman were committed in the UK.
About 100 indecent images were found on Mr Gricks's computer.
None of the offences was committed while he was on duty, police said.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nick Dean said: "Norfolk Constabulary took immediate action on being notified of the officer's suspected criminal activity.
"As a result of his death, there can be no criminal prosecution and the investigation, effectively, ceases.
"However, in recognition of his role and the serious nature of the offences he was due to face, it is right and proper that this information is placed in the public domain, not only to demonstrate police action but also to give victims of sexual abuse a voice when this cannot be achieved through the judicial process."
Mr Gricks had been a constable for over 19 years and was based mainly at King's Lynn.
Most recently he was was an investigator at Kings Lynn's Police Investigation Centre.
Richard III reburial service held