A police officer, Matthew Longmate, 47, from Derbyshire, has had his suspended sentence quashed and been sent to jail after engaging in sexual activities with a woman while on duty. The decision came after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal, overturning his previous 12-month suspended sentence.
Longmate’s misconduct occurred when he and another officer participated in sexual activity with a woman in a police vehicle while on duty. The incident transpired after the officers provided the woman with a lift home following an altercation at a bar in Chesterfield.
The Solicitor General, Robert Courts KC MP, expressed his condemnation of Longmate’s actions, describing them as “sickening” and extending sympathies to the victim. He emphasized the seriousness of Longmate’s abuse of his position for personal gain and underscored the importance of holding individuals accountable for misconduct in public office.
Longmate initially received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, at Southwark Crown Court on January 15, 2024, for one count of misconduct in public office. However, on April 12, 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned his previous sentence following a referral under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Longmate was subsequently sentenced to 11 months’ imprisonment.
The case highlights the gravity of misconduct by individuals in positions of authority and serves as a reminder that such actions will not be tolerated. The decision to overturn Longmate’s suspended sentence reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity and trustworthiness of public officials, ensuring accountability for reprehensible behaviour.
