A former police officer has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after engaging in sexual activity while on duty, in a shocking breach of trust. Jordan Masterson, 28, turned off his body camera before having sex with a woman while responding to a 999 call at her home in Widnes, Cheshire, on 28 December, 2021.
The incident came to light during a trial earlier this year, where Masterson was found guilty of misconduct in a public office. The court heard how Masterson, a probationary police constable at the time, arrived at the woman’s residence in response to reports of a disturbance. Despite the presence of the woman’s children asleep in the house, Masterson’s actions escalated beyond the scope of his duty.
During the trial at Chester Crown Court, Masterson claimed to have felt “powerless” during the encounter, but Judge Michael Leeming dismissed these assertions, labeling Masterson’s behavior as a “gross breach of trust.” Judge Leeming emphasized that the public expects police officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and condemned Masterson for exploiting the woman for his own sexual gratification.
In addition to the prison sentence, Masterson was issued an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting the woman, referred to as “female G.” His defense attorney, Vanessa Thomson, cited Masterson’s deteriorating mental health and childhood trauma as mitigating factors, but the court remained steadfast in its judgment.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regional director, Catherine Bates, condemned Masterson’s actions, asserting that such behavior has no place within law enforcement. Masterson, who had already resigned from the police force, was placed on the barred list, preventing him from future employment in policing.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of upholding professional standards within law enforcement and the severe consequences that accompany breaches of trust and misconduct. The victim’s courage in reporting the incident underscores the need for accountability and justice within the criminal justice system.
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