A THAMES Valley Police Officer charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child has had his trial date set.
Cerrig Shardlow, who has been suspended from duty in his role as a sergeant based at Slough Police Station, appeared in Reading Crown Court today (May 10).
It is the Crown’s case that that the 44-year-old between May 30, 2022 and June 8, 2022 attempted to communicate with a child he allegedly believed was 13-years-old.
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The conversations allegedly surrounded asking the person, which turned out to be an undercover officer, about their ‘sexual experiences and physical appearances’.
Shardlow, of Lime Close in Wokingham, pleaded not guilty to the offence at Reading Magistrates Court last month and again in court today.
A trial date has been set for April 29 as a fixed floater.
However, as Shardlow is a Thames Valley Police officer, it is likely his case will be transferred away from Reading Crown Court for trial.
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Judge Sarah Campbell told the court she couldn’t consider the transfer today as an application needs to be made to the resident judge.
The prosecution have asked for seven days to prepare the application with the defence to respond by May 24.
Shardlow is next due in court on July 26 which is subject to change depending on the application for transfer.
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