Police officer who had sex with vulnerable suspect admits misconduct

A Thames Valley police officer has admitted having sexual contact with a vulnerable woman he was investigating.

PC Matthew Lynch, 36, based at Slough, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office at the Nightingale Court in the Barbican, London, yesterday (June 27) after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

He will be sentenced at a later date.

PC Lynch, who was suspended from duty in August 2023, admitted forming a personal relationship with a suspect after he had arrested her.

He had sexual contact with the woman during the course of the criminal investigation - for which he was officer in charge - from March until June and continued until October 31 after the case had been dropped.

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IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “The police are there to help the people they serve, not exploit them. Abuse of position for a sexual purpose is serious corruption and has absolutely no place in policing.

“PC Matthew Lynch took advantage of a woman he knew was in a vulnerable position, which included welfare concerns, and in doing so damaged her – and the public’s - trust in the police.

“Officers must not, under any circumstances, use their professional position to form a sexual or improper emotional relationship with a vulnerable person.”

Thames Valley Police made a mandatory referral to the IOPC in November 2021.

PC Lynch was interviewed and his mobile phones were examined. Statements were taken from several witnesses, including the woman he had been investigating.

The investigation was completed in November 2022.

The CPS authorised charges of corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers and privileges contrary to the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 and perverting the course of justice.

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On June 24 this year, the CPS added the charge of misconduct in a public office as an alternative charge, and PC Lynch pleaded guilty to this charge yesterday.

The IOPC said it would now liaise with the force to progress an accelerated misconduct hearing for the officer.

Sasha Barton, a specialist civil liberties solicitor from Hodge Jones & Allen, who represents the victim, said: “This police officer’s actions were a gross abuse of power over my vulnerable client which has left her traumatised.

"She is relieved that he has finally done the right thing by pleading guilty to his abhorrent crime, meaning she will no longer have to relive her ordeal in court.”

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray, said: “The officer in this case has been convicted of a serious offence.

“Following the reports around this case, the Force made a mandatory referral to the IOPC, who took on the investigation independently.

“The officer was suspended from duty which was absolutely right in the circumstances.

“Misconduct proceedings could not be progressed while the criminal case was ongoing, however now that PC Lynch has been convicted, this will take place in due course.”