Jail for policeman who had sex on duty

Michael Fletcher

A former police officer who had sex with a woman in Rochdale while on duty has been jailed.

Michael Fletcher, 31, of Blackwood Court, Stacksteads, Bacup, pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in a public office at an earlier hearing.  He has today, (Tuesday 8 February 2011), been sentenced to 32 months in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court.

On 21 July 2010, Greater Manchester Police's Professional Standards Branch launched an investigation after reports that Fletcher had attended a ‘concern for welfare’ call in Littleborough and had sex with a vulnerable woman while on duty.

He returned to the house later that evening, this time when off-duty, and again had sex with her.

Officers from the Professional Standards Branch (PSB) arrested PC Fletcher on 21 July 2010. He was bailed and suspended from duty.

The matter was then voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who managed the investigation.

On 26 July 2010, Fletcher resigned from the Force.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "As soon as this was reported we took swift and decisive action, started an investigation and immediately suspended the officer from duty.

"Because we dealt with this so robustly, the officer had no choice but to resign and due to the evidence presented before him he also pleaded guilty to the offences.

"No one is above the law, and officers who commit crimes will, quite rightly, be treated exactly the same way as everyone else. Both Greater Manchester Police and the public expect high standards from its police officers, whether on or off-duty, and any evidence of criminality or misconduct will be dealt with.

"Fletcher was sent to help this woman, ensure she was safe and arrange appropriate support from other agencies. Fletcher abused his position and disgracefully took advantage of the situation. Such behaviour within Greater Manchester Police will not be tolerated.

"What this officer did has a huge impact on how the public view the police and the hard work and dedication of the majority of officers has now been undermined by his disgraceful and appalling behaviour."

Greater Manchester Police take reports of any sexual assault extremely seriously and if anyone is affected by this they should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111