Express & Star

JAILED: Staffordshire police officer who engaged in sexual activity while on duty

A former Staffordshire police officer who had sexual activity with vulnerable women he met while on duty has been jailed for a total of three years.

Published

Adam Rushton, 37, was last month convicted of five charges of misconduct relating to his behaviour at work and convicted of a charge of breaching data protection laws after a trial.

He had oral sex with two of the women and invented a cyber bullying incident regarding a third woman that led to the investigation into his conduct.

In sentencing him Judge Murray Creed told Rushton, who was based at Longton, in Stoke-on-Trent, that in his judgement 'the offences are too serious' for him not to be sent to prison. He must serve half of the term before being released on licence.

He was previously cleared of six other charges at Birmingham Crown Court.

Following a misconduct hearing on April 27, Rushton was dismissed by the Chief Constable, Jane Sawyers.

Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker, from Staffordshire Police, said: "Today's sentence is to be welcomed and I hope it brings some comfort to those who have suffered as a result of Adam Rushton's actions.

"I have apologised personally to those victims of his actions on behalf of Staffordshire Police. I would also like to thank those individuals who supported the investigation and gave evidence during the recent trial; their bravery should not be underestimated.

"Adam Rushton brought shame on himself, his colleagues and Staffordshire Police.

"There is simply no excuse for Rushton's actions and we will not tolerate such disgraceful behaviour in this organisation.

"The public must be able to trust their police officers, and on this occasion they were badly let down. He has been dismissed from the force.

"I want to reassure the public of Staffordshire that lessons have been learnt from this matter and we will take robust action against any officer or member of staff whose behaviour falls below the high standards expected.

"We are proud that the overwhelming majority of officers and staff members work hard and with integrity to serve the people of Staffordshire."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.