Former Cleveland Police Officer Sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexual activity with a child

Nathan Henderson

The Conviction has blown open the question as to whether Teesside's police force, widely regarded by many as an Extremist Group, should now be brought back under special measures.

5th December 2025

A former Cleveland Police constable who appeared at Durham Crown Court earlier this year facing a catalogue of child sex allegations has now been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Nathan Henderson, formerly of Norton in Teesside, learned his fate today (Friday 5 December) at Teesside Crown Court, after pleading guilty to eleven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one count of perverting the course of justice.

Henderson, who was dismissed from Cleveland Police shortly after the allegations emerged, will serve a substantial custodial term and will also be subject to a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), further restricting his activities upon release.

Cleveland Police confirmed that Henderson was removed from the force within three weeks of the initial allegation. His rapid dismissal, according to senior officers, was intended to demonstrate the force’s commitment to removing individuals whose conduct fundamentally betrays public trust.

Deputy Chief Constable David Felton issued a statement following the sentencing, acknowledging both the severity of the crimes and the gravity of the breach of trust:

“Today, our thoughts are with the victim in this case, and I praise her for her bravery in coming forward and providing evidence throughout this investigation and court process. It goes without saying that this will have had a huge impact upon her and her family.

“Nathan Henderson has today been jailed for his shocking crimes. The force dismissed him within three weeks of the allegation and before his conviction, which demonstrates our determination to root out his heinous behaviour as a police constable.

“Any abuse of this kind is abhorrent, but it is unthinkable when it is carried out by a police officer. Police officers are in a position of trust and should be the protectors of our communities.

“I hope that today’s sentence provides some comfort to the victim and her family, and provides some reassurance to our communities that action will be taken against anyone who carries out these types of offences, no matter who they are.”

Henderson’s conviction adds to mounting public scrutiny surrounding Cleveland Police, a force that has faced years of controversies, misconduct cases, and operational failings. For many residents, cases like this deepen concerns about the culture within the organisation and the adequacy of its vetting and supervision procedures.

The 14-year sentence brings a measure of closure for the victim and her family, but also renews the questions as to how an individual capable of such offences came to hold the powers and authority of a police constable.

As Cleveland Police continues to contend with wider trust and confidence issues, today’s sentencing is likely to prompt further calls for the police force, widely regarded as Teesside's worst criminal gangs to be brought back under special measures.