US Air Force officer accused of possessing child abuse images was flown out of the UK

A senior US Air Force officer was flown out of the UK before he could be questioned over allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse images, it has emerged.

Lt Col Michael Morris was working at the US embassy in London as an assistant military attaché, and left Britain in August.

He is now facing formal charges that include possession and distribution of "child pornography", obstructing justice and "conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman".

A hearing is due to take place at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland next month.

His brother is currently facing trial in the US for a series of charges relating to child sexual abuse material.

Benjamin Morris was arrested in Illinois after an investigation sparked by a group that tracks down alleged paedophiles - and prosecutors claim he shared images with his brother.

Lt Col Morris left the UK without being questioned by police, and the case has led to renewed concerns over US authorities ignoring the legal jurisdiction of the host country - despite alleged offences being committed on British soil.

A US Air Force spokesperson said: "The charges and evidence will be reviewed to determine whether the case should be tried by court-martial.

"To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and the rights of the subject, further information is unavailable until a disposition decision is made.

"As a reminder, charges are merely allegations and the Department of the Air Force member is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."

The Metropolitan Police added: "We have been liaising regularly with the US authorities since they made us aware on Tuesday 25 August of their investigation into suspected offences relating to indecent images of children.

"We are aware that charges have been brought in the US in relation to this case and that legal proceedings are ongoing. We remain in contact with the US authorities."

The case has also been likened to that of US State Department employee Anne Sacoolas, who caused the death of teenager Harry Dunn in a car crash in 2019.

Sacoolas was able to leave the country shortly after causing the fatal collision after the US asserted diplomatic immunity on her behalf.

(c) Sky News 2026: US Air Force officer accused of possessing child abuse images was flown out of the UK