The Royal Court heard that Le Tocq, 61, for several years the island’s lead politician on external relations, had claimed to have learned about the alteration of images from an acquaintance in Brussels during a work trip in 2016.
His offending started then, and continued until the week he was arrested in July last year.
Le Tocq faced 15 counts, including sending indecent messages using the telecoms network, making indecent images of children, making pseudo indecent images of a child by using AI, and possessing extreme pornography. He had pleaded guilty to all offences in December, when he resigned as a deputy, and had given police full access to the many devices he used for his offending.
‘We have found it impossible to find words adequate to reflect the deep depravity of what you have done,’ said Judge Catherine Fooks as she passed sentence.
‘This community put its trust in you as its representative and ambassador. It believed that you were a man of impeccable character, as well as a man of faith.
‘In your own words, you have let down many who supported you and dishonoured the principles you stood for and promoted.’
Defending, Advocate Clare Tee said Le Tocq described his behaviour as a form of escapism and maladaptive coping.
‘He continues to deny that he obtained any sexual gratification from his offending and denies that he has any sexual attraction to children,’ she said.
Advocate Tee said that Le Tocq felt ‘relieved’ when he was finally arrested, as he did not feel that he was able to stop on his own or tell anyone about his offending due to the feelings of shame and disgust.
Watch: Liam Johnson from Guernsey Police
The public gallery was full during the court hearing and a separate room was set up in the Royal Court House for Le Tocq’s victims and their families to watch via video link.
President of Policy & Resources Lindsay de Saumarez said that like many others, she had trusted Le Tocq, who placed ninth in June’s general election, when he was still offending, and found it difficult coming to terms with the reality of his actions.
‘His victims and everyone else affected by his actions, especially his family but also his church community, and former colleagues and constituents, are first and foremost in my thoughts. The betrayal of their trust and respect and the pain I know they have experienced is just heartbreaking.
‘Guernsey is not defined by the actions of any individual – we are defined by our collective response.
‘I’m proud to be part of a community that has responded with care, empathy and understanding for those impacted – especially his victims and his family, whose lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own.’
Following his sentencing, Guernsey Police superintendent Liam Johnson said in a statement to media that officers have been working closely with victims.
‘These abhorrent offences took place over nine years and included impersonating and targeting islanders and other people known to Le Tocq.
‘They all took place while he held significant positions of trust in our community.
‘As is now a matter of public record, AI played a serious role in Le Tocq’s offending. I would like to take the opportunity to make it clear that Guernsey Police is working hard to ensure it is ready to tackle the emerging criminality that the development of AI has brought with it.’
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