A Portsmouth cop faces disgrace but has yet to be sacked after hitting on a vulnerable domestic abuse victim assigned to his case. He bombarded her with texts, tried to kiss her, and invited her out for cocktails – all while abusing his position of trust.
PC Abuses Victim’s Trust for ‘Improper Relationship’
A police misconduct panel slammed the officer today for “disproportionately abusing his status” to pursue a “sexual or improper emotional relationship” with the woman. He sent her a staggering 60 messages, 12 during work hours, some signed with kisses and winking emojis.
Panel Finds Five Charges Proven but Bans Naming
Despite the damning findings, the hearing at Hampshire police HQ in Eastleigh ruled the officer’s identity must remain secret. The panel included a barrister, a lay member, and a serving Hampshire detective superintendent who found him guilty of five misconduct charges.
Victim ‘Doesn’t Trust Police Anymore’
The traumatised woman, described as “credible and honest,” said in a recorded police interview: “I don’t trust police officers anymore. I’m scared, especially around male officers.” The panel heard he invited her to his flat under false pretences, then asked her out for drinks and hugged and kissed her on the cheek outside.
Officer Tried to Cover Tracks by Deleting Messages
Officer A even deleted messages to try to hide his contact with the victim. A previous colleague warned him not to use his personal phone. Still, he called her nine times outside work and made 23 calls in total, 17 after hours.
Panel chair Sarah Gaunt said: “Officer A was unprofessional, over-friendly, and in breach of NPCC guidance by pursuing an improper relationship with a vulnerable individual under his care.”
Defence lawyer Detective Sergeant Nick Milburn admitted his client’s behaviour was “unacceptable” but claimed he had an “unblemished record.” The panel will decide tomorrow if the officer gets a final written warning or is dismissed.
Victoria von Wachter, who led the case, warned the misconduct “risks eroding public trust.”
