A former Thames Valley Police officer has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for engaging in consensual sexual relationships with women connected to his policing duties, including one he had arrested. Adam Jones, 40, of Monkston, Milton Keynes, was convicted of misconduct in public office and neglecting his duties during a hearing at Reading Crown Court.
Offences Spanning Nearly a Decade
Jones, who served as a constable from 2009 to 2022, committed the offences between 2013 and 2021. Prosecutors revealed that Jones had sexual relationships with two women who had reported domestic abuse to the police. He also pursued a third woman while failing to uphold his professional obligations.
In one case, Jones began sending personal and sexual messages to a woman he had arrested before completing her witness statement. He later deleted the messages, raising further concerns about his conduct.
Sexual Misconduct on Duty
The court heard that Jones engaged in sexual acts while on duty, behavior described as “a different class of misconduct” by Prosecutor James Bruce. This, he argued, posed risks to the public and compromised the officer’s responsibilities.
One victim, who initially found comfort in Jones’s support, later felt exploited. Another said she believed she had to “placate” Jones to ensure her case continued.
Judge’s Sentencing Remarks
Judge Heather Norton highlighted the breach of trust in Jones’s actions. She stated:
“Your behavior had a lasting impact. The harm caused to the police service is profound and malicious. These offences attract immediate custodial sentences.”
She also noted the power imbalance Jones exploited and the damage done to the victims’ confidence in the police.
Mental Health and Mitigation
Jones’s defense cited his struggles with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. His lawyer, James Marsland, acknowledged the breach of public trust and added that Jones had resigned from the force prior to his criminal charges.
Police Response
Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs of Thames Valley Police expressed relief at the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the police:
Former PC Jones’s actions have no place in policing. This outcome reflects our commitment to take decisive action in such circumstances.”
Jones had previously faced an accelerated misconduct hearing, where it was determined he would have been dismissed if he had not already resigned.
Impact on Victims
The judge acknowledged that while the relationships were consensual, the power imbalance and professional misconduct deeply undermined the victims’ trust in law enforcement. Both women reported lasting emotional harm.
This case underscores the critical need for accountability and integrity within the police force to maintain public confidence and ensure justice is served.
