Detective sacked after relationship with schoolgirl

A police officer who indulged in a "rape fantasy" during a relationship with a 16-year-old girl has been sacked for gross misconduct.

Det Con Nicholas Henry met the girl online when she was 15 and he was 24, they began a sexual a relationship after she turned 16.

A misconduct hearing was told he acted out a "rape fantasy" with the teenager – only stopping when he realised she was not consenting.

Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson, chair of the panel, said: "The offences committed were deliberate and as a police officer he held a position of trust."

A disciplinary hearing was told Det Con Henry, who previously worked for the rape and serious sexual offences unit, accepted he was in a relationship with the girl – known only as Witness A.

But he said their relationship only lasted for three months after she turned 16. He also denied the rape fantasy incident took place.

David Sapiecha, representing the Appropriate Authority, said an investigation was launched after the girl confided in an off-duty police sergeant.

"There was sexual impropriety and an element of an abuse of a position of trust and the initiation of a sexual relationship with a vulnerable person as she was under 18 and a child," said Mr Mathieson.

"The conduct involved violence against women and girls – a matter of national scrutiny.

"We found culpability was high. We found malign intent and sexual misconduct, as well as attempting to blame others."

In mitigation, Mr Mathieson said the conduct occurred 15 years ago and was not deemed criminal.

"There are no reports of any further misconduct before or since," he said.

The panel found all the allegations against Det Con Henry proven and concluded he was guilty of gross misconduct.

Det Con Henry has now been dismissed without notice and his name added to the barred list.

Speaking after the hearing, acting Chief Constable Arman Mathieson said Det Con Henry's actions "undoubtedly discredit and undermine the public's confidence in policing".

He continued: "The fact he was most recently working as a detective on our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team is concerning and could have a serious impact on victims' trust in us to investigate crimes."

Mr Mathieson also said the force was doing everything it could to "root out" people "who aren't fit to wear our uniform".

He added: "I'd also like to reassure victims of rape and other serious sexual offences that we are committed to investigating any reports you make with the aim of achieving the justice you deserve."

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