Former policeman convicted after engaging in sexual activity with another man in a car park near Hughenden Manor

A former Thames Valley Police officer has been convicted of misconduct in a public office.

On Thursday 28th February 2019, at Reading Magistrates’ Court, a 36 year old former police man who was based at High Wycombe police station pleaded guilty to one count of being the holder of a public office who wilfully neglected to perform duty/wilfully misconducted himself.

The conviction relates to an incident that occurred on Thursday 8th November 2018, while on duty in High Wycombe, when the 36 year old policeman arranged to meet a male member of the public. The police officer invited the male out with him in a police vehicle and engaged in consensual sexual activity with him in a car park near Hughenden Manor.

The 36 year old policeman was arrested on Wednesday 28th November 2018. He resigned his position with Thames Valley Police and left the force on Thursday 31st January 2019. On Friday 15th February 2019 he was charged via postal requisition.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: ‘This was outrageous behaviour by [the former policeman] and had he not resigned he would have been dismissed from the police service. In acting in this manner he has let down all his colleagues from Thames Valley Police and the community he was meant to be serving.

When such a dereliction of duty occurs, the force will investigate robustly to ensure those who offend face the appropriate action. In this case this resulted in a prosecution for a serious criminal offence and there is clearly no place in our force for those who commit such offences.‘

The 36 year old former policeman was released on bail to appear at Reading Crown Court for sentencing on Monday 1st April 2019.