WIREDGOV

A former West Midlands Police officer has been sentenced after admitting engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman he met during the course of his duties.

Former PC James Ankrett – who was charged following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) - admitted corrupt/improper exercise of police powers and privileges by a constable contrary to section 26 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 when he appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court last month. He was yesterday (Monday 18 October) sentenced to five months in prison.

The court was told that the officer became involved with a woman after attending an incident at her home in July 2017.

Evidence, gathered through our investigation, indicated that PC Ankrett subsequently sent her a number of inappropriate messages and pictures of himself undressed whilst on and off duty.

IOPC Regional Director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, yesterday said:

“Cases where officers abuse their position for sexual purposes are among the most serious examples of corruption that we investigate.

“The public has a right to expect police officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and that those who fail to do so will be investigated and dealt with robustly.

“Police are taught to maintain professional boundaries between themselves and members of the public, who are often in vulnerable situations when they come into contact with officers. PC Ankrett now has a criminal conviction to his name and has paid a heavy price for stepping over that boundary.”

We began our inquiries following a referral from West Midlands Police in October 2017. At the conclusion of our investigation in October 2018 we submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the charge against PC Ankrett in May 2019.

Our investigation also found that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct for breaches of the professional standards of behaviour for honesty, integrity and authority; conduct; and respect and courtesy.

An accelerated misconduct hearing was carried out by the force on Thursday 14 October 2021. PC Ankrett – who was suspended from duties following his conviction – was dismissed.