PFEW CASE WIN
IMAGES CANNOT BE UNSEEN”
“UNTHINKABLE
PFEW has won a landmark case for a retired detective suffering PTSD after prolonged exposure to child abuse images. John Cahill hopes it shines a light into dark corners of police work and implores other officers not to suffer in silence
when dealing with an individual who may be suicidal are too terrifying to consider.” John added, “The support from PFEW
PFEW and Slater and Gordon’s Personal Injury Department have won a landmark case, a first in the UK, that acknowledges the damage caused by prolonged exposure to child abuse images. Substantial damages have
been secured for John Cahill, proving that he suffered as a result of a breach of duty. PFEW supported his claim
been missed. John said: “PFEW gave support where others didn’t… I asked for help from my senior officers, but my requests were
“I was suicidal but with the support offered by PFEW I was able to get what needed to be done, done!”
that he received a lack of support, was exposed to prolonged exposure to imagery that is capable of causing psychiatric harm and, that had basic risk assessment procedure been correctly followed, opportunities to mitigate the stress, trauma and harm would not have
22 | POLICE | FEBRUARY 2023
unanswered. PFEW listened to me when my superiors, my DI, and DCI did not acknowledge my concerns; really, they closed ranks and just said, ‘get on with it’. It was so disappointing; I’ll never forget those words. The potential consequences
was beyond anything I could have hoped for. I couldn’t have wished for better; it was an oasis of support – a real life saver.” PFEW assisted John throughout the case and Slater and Gordon’s thorough investigation. The legal team’s subsequent comprehensive understanding of the case and the issues involved meant that John felt supported by exceptional, hardworking professionals. After what was a stressful and at times upsetting five-day trial, John was at pains to underline his admiration for the professionalism and hard work of his PFEW representative, Tim Hall, and the Slater and Gordon team. He said: “To the unsung heroes, Tim Hall, Matthew Tomlinson, and Sadia Masood, I am blown away by your integrity and all the hard work you did on my behalf…. Your legal expertise and professionalism went above and beyond my expectations throughout the course of my case. I was overwhelmed when I heard the outcome of the court proceedings. Amazing people doing amazing things, I am in awe of your excellent work.” John Cahill joined the police
service in 1991 and through diligence and hard work became
known as a well-respected and “safe pair of hands” - a role model to the younger officers on the force. He worked hard at a job he enjoyed.
In 2014-2015 John was asked to work on an investigation into the online grooming
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