Former Surrey Police sergeant pleads guilty to misconduct in public office

A former Surrey Police sergeant pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (Monday, 24 May) following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Our seven-month investigation, which concluded in August 2020, followed allegations that ex-Police Sergeant Stephen Kirkpatrick had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a victim of domestic abuse, when he was the officer responsible for investigating the case.

Mr Kirkpatrick, aged 36, was based at Guildford police station until he resigned in September 2020. He will be sentenced on 15 July at Guildford Crown Court.

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said:

“Cases where officers abuse their position for sexual purposes are among the serious examples of corruption we investigate.

“The public has a right to expect police officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism – and that those who fail to do this will be investigated and dealt with robustly.

“Now former PS Kirkpatrick has pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office he is paying the price and has a criminal record alongside his name.”

Our investigation began in January 2020 after the mandatory referral of a complaint by Surrey Police.

We provided a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and their initial decision not to authorise charges was successfully appealed by the complainant through the Victim’s Right to Review (VRR) process in March 2021.

Mr Kirkpatrick will now face gross misconduct proceedings for breaches of the standards of professional behaviour in relation to conduct and authority, respect and courtesy which will be arranged by Surrey Police.

* On 30 July 2021, former PS Kirkpatrick was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of community work.

* At a fast-track misconduct hearing on 18 October 2021, Surrey Police Chief Constable Gavin Stephens ruled former PS Kirkpatrick would have been dismissed if still a serving officer. He will be placed on the police barred list.