A trainee police officer and football referee sexually assaulted a woman during a Christmas night out in Middlesbrough town centre in December 2024. Thomas Ross, who was three months into his probationary training with Cleveland Police, grabbed the woman, flicked her dress up, gave her a love bite, and grabbed her around the waist.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Ross, 30, of South Terrace, Redcar, pleaded guilty to sexual assault. He has since resigned from Cleveland Police and was described as a "football referee of some standing" with the Football Association. He has been spared prison but must sign the sex offenders register.
Judge's Account of the Assault
Sentencing Ross, Judge Edward Bindloss described the incident: "You grabbed her hips from behind while she was on the dancefloor, flicked her dress up at the back and you sucked her neck. She felt you were trying to expose her underwear. Your face was close to her neck and you gave her a love bite. She moved her shoulder to move you off. Some time later you went up to and put your hand around her waist again and pulled her towards you."
The judge noted that while there was no victim impact statement, the woman previously said she felt intimidated by Ross. He added: "You were a probationary police officer and should have known better." The court heard that two police officers out as part of the Christmas celebrations had spoken to Ross that night, and Judge Bindloss said "clearly others knew what was going on."
Defence and Character References
The court heard Ross has no previous convictions and regrets his behaviour. When talking to the probation service, he denied seeking sexual gratification and described himself as "stepping over the line." Judge Bindloss said: "It seems to me you need to do work on sexual boundaries."
Andrea Parnham, defending, said: "He is of good character and there is genuine remorse. He was a probationary officer for three months. He was suspended and has now resigned. He works with the FA, he is a football referee and a mentor for trainee referees. He travels across the region and sometimes the country. The FA are content for him to continue his work at the moment if he is not placed on the register."
Miss Parnham said Ross had also previously worked as a personal trainer and is now seeking employment. The court was provided with references speaking highly of Ross, who was said to be hard-working, kind-hearted and honest. She argued for a community order of less than 12 months, which would have meant Ross did not have to sign the sex offenders register and could continue being a referee, but Judge Bindloss refused to take that course.
Sentence and Police Response
Ross was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 150 hours unpaid work, £1,630 costs, and he must sign the sex offenders register for ten years.
Superintendent Gez Wriath, Head of Cleveland Police's Professional Standards, said: "PC Thomas Ross was rightly investigated, charged and faced the courts as a result of his criminal behaviour. I am satisfied the victim of Ross has seen him face justice today. While we wait for the misconduct hearing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage."
