Former PC called brothel and sex lines on days off
BBCA former Kent Police officer who worked investigating modern slavery and human trafficking would have been dismissed for contacting brothels and adult sex websites on his days off had he not already retired, a watchdog says.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) found PC Trevor Bonett had twice called a brothel in the Maidstone area on his personal mobile.
Phone data also revealed that he called sex lines or adult sex websites while on annual leave or rest days between January and June 2024.
IOPC director of engagement, Emily Barry, said Bonett was trained to "effectively safeguard sex workers" but instead used them for "his own personal gratification".
The former officer, who was based at Maidstone, was responsible for reviewing intelligence relating specifically to modern day slavery, human trafficking, and violence against women and girls.
Barry said Bonett's role meant he had an "awareness of the vulnerabilities and safeguarding concerns that exist in relation to sex workers".
She continued: "He was an experienced intelligence officer with a great deal of understanding of the complexities involved in modern slavery investigations and it was put to him in interview that he would have known that, when using these services, there was a high probability he was contacting a very vulnerable person."
A gross misconduct hearing found Bonett, who retired from the force in December 2025, would have been dismissed for various breaches of professional standards.
The investigation was carried out by Kent Police's counter-corruption unit under the IOPC's direction.
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
