Police constable and son of Lancashire Police Assistant Chief Constable charged with 14 child sex offences

Response officer PC Thomas Winstanley appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on February 12 charged with 14 offences against a minor.

The 25-year-old, of Eccleston near Chorley, was charged with: three counts of rape; two counts of sexual assault; two counts of causing or inciting a girl to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity; two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl; two counts of sexual communication with a child; one count of sexual assaulting a girl by penetration with part of body / a thing; one count of engaging in sexual activity in presence of a child and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.

During the short hearing at Birmingham Crown Court Winstanley, who was suspended and then subsequently handed in his resignation to Lancashire Constabulary, entered a not guilty plea to all the charges.

It is understood his resignation has not formally being confirmed.

An independent investigation into the alleged allegations was held by Cumbria Constabulary following his first arrest in October 2024.

He was bailed to appear again at Birmingham Crown Court for a further ground rules hearing on June 19.

A provisional trial date of May 8, 2028 has been listed by the judge.

Thomas Winstanley, who was posted in Leyland before his arrest and suspension, is the son of serving Assistant Chief Constable Mark Winstanley of Lancashire Constabulary.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Winstanley is a Gold Public Order Commander and Strategic Firearms Commander.

As part of his role he is responsible for Crime and Specialist Operations across Lancashire, as well as having force responsibility for Investigations.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We can confirm a Lancashire officer has been charged with a number of sexual offences.

“Thomas Winstanley is a response PC who was based in our South division. He was first arrested in October 2024 and immediately suspended following his arrest.

“The investigation has been managed independently by Cumbria Police.

“Thomas Winstanley has tendered his resignation from Lancashire Constabulary.

“Due to legal proceedings, we aren't able to offer further comment at this time.”

Lancashire Police referred the case to Cumbria Constabulary in late 2024 to lead the investigation to ensure public confidence in a transparent and independent process.