Directed investigation into cadet leader committing sexual assault – Greater Manchester Police, October 2018
In 2018, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) began an investigation, managed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the interaction between a serving police constable and a group of children and young adults involved in GMP’s cadet scheme.
In October 2018, a cadet raised concerns with GMP about the officer’s contact with them. It was alleged the contact was inappropriate and that the officer had abused his position for a sexual purpose. GMP arrested the officer, on suspicion of police corruption, on 21 October 2018, and suspended him the same day.
On 22 October, GMP made a recordable conduct referral to the IOPC. While we initially determined the matter should be independently investigated, we re-determined this as a managed investigation on 1 November 2018. A managed investigation is carried out using police resources, under the direction and control of the IOPC. This decision was made due to additional information suggesting there may be a number of other potential victims.
We set the terms of reference for the investigation, which were: to look at the level and nature of the officer’s contact with the original complainant, as well as the wider cadet group; and to identify and address any safeguarding issues.
GMP investigators also considered a number of other allegations separate from the allegations of abuse of position for a sexual purpose. As a result of further disclosures, the officer was arrested for a second time on 16 November 2018, on suspicion of sexual assault. In the same month, he was served with a notice outlining that his conduct was under investigation at the level of gross misconduct. He was further arrested on 13 March 2019 on suspicion of misconduct in public office and additional sexual assaults, along with a number of other alleged offences. He was served with two further misconduct notices in May and August 2019. GMP investigators interviewed the officer under criminal caution each time he was arrested, and again on 27 August 2019.
During the investigation, GMP investigators obtained a large number of witness statements. There were 21 people spoken to as part of the investigation, most of whom had been cadets, who made allegations of inappropriate conduct or sexual assault against the officer.
The investigation concluded in August 2019, when we reviewed and signed off the investigator’s report.
Evidence obtained during the investigation showed the officer had engaged in sexualised conduct towards some of these young people over a period of several years. This included: sexual touching, kissing, and sending inappropriate messages. These messages included sexualised comments; sending or offering to send an image of his penis; and requesting indecent images.
GMP investigators identified a pattern of behaviour by the officer towards young people in his care. Witnesses also reported being afraid to raise their concerns about the officer’s behaviour due to his perceived status with senior leaders, which caused them to fear they would not be believed. Some told investigators they wanted to work for GMP in future and were concerned speaking up would affect their career opportunities.
On conclusion of the investigation, the IOPC decision maker determined the case should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, and a file of evidence was referred in October 2019. It was also agreed with GMP that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct. The officer was charged with misconduct in public office and sexual assault. He made his first court appearance in August 2021.
In 2022, GMP arranged a special case hearing, in relation to an allegation of sexual activity on police premises. The case against the officer was found proven at the level of gross misconduct and he was dismissed without notice at the hearing on 29 April 2022. He was also barred from working in policing in future.
Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, which concluded in April 2023, he was found guilty of 15 counts of misconduct in public office and five counts of sexual assault.
In June 2023, the officer appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, where he was sentenced to five years in prison.
The GMP investigation team identified a significant amount of organisational learning based on their findings. They identified vulnerabilities in relation to GMP practices regarding young people involved in the cadet scheme and apprentice programme.
More information can be found in our executive summary.