In late 2020 my client Laura had broken up with her current partner, Peter. Unlike some of Laura’s previous partners, her current partner was not physically abusive to her, but he had become unfaithful, and he had posted malicious content about Laura on social media. Laura has a past history of suffering domestic violence having been physically abused by one former partner and raped by another. She also suffers from the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia and has had past mental health difficulties including anorexia, depression, and anxiety.
The Police had been contacted to come and collect Peter’s belongings from Laura’s flat as she was scared of meeting him again. As a result, Laura was contacted by PC Long of Suffolk Constabulary, a married officer of some 22 years Police service. PC Long was made aware of Laura’s vulnerability, including that she had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past.
Over the next few weeks PC Long exchanged emails about her matter. Laura never met PC Long in person and initially found him polite and professional in his dealings with her. In February 2021, however, PC Long provided his work mobile phone number and suggested that the two of them communicate by this form; thereafter, his messages to Laura became increasingly personal, suggestive and ‘flirtatious’. The messages would imply that he was often in the vicinity of her home and could visit her for “a cuppa”. The officer was aware that several of his text message exchanges with Laura took place whilst she was drinking alcohol. One such message from PC Long suggested that he “Fingers crossed might be lucky enough to meet u sometime to see ur cheeky and maybe wild side?” Further references in the officer’s messages to having “fun” with Laura but not wanting anything “serious” made it clear that he was seeking a sexual encounter.
Laura became extremely distressed and worried by this tirade of messages from an Officer who was grossly abusing his position as a Public Servant and treating her as a sex object. She contacted the Police about what was happening, and the text messages immediately stopped.
PC Long was then investigated by the IOPC and found guilty of gross misconduct at a hearing in January 2022 – but was punished only with a (final) written warning and he therefore remains at the present time a serving Police Officer. This was despite the misconduct panel finding that PC Long had attempted to establish a sexual or improper personal relationship with Laura, who was clearly vulnerable to his abuse of trust and power.
I pursued a claim on behalf of Laura against Suffolk Constabulary and following negotiation she was awarded £10,000 damages plus her legal costs.
My client’s name has been changed.
