Ex-police constable pleads guilty to misusing powers over vulnerable witness in Staffordshire

Howard Bradley, 27, admitted improper use of police powers at Stoke-on-Trent Court. Sentencing is set for 5 November.

Former Derbyshire officer convicted of exploiting vulnerable witness

Google News UK — Crime (en) reports that a former police constable has pleaded guilty to the corrupt or improper exercise of police powers after making unsanctioned contact with a vulnerable witness he encountered through his official duties.

Howard Bradley, 27, of Doveridge, Derbyshire, entered the guilty plea at Stoke-on-Trent Court on Tuesday. Bradley had been stationed at Burton Police Station before his arrest in March 2024, at which point Staffordshire Police immediately suspended him.

Sentencing is scheduled at the same court on 5 November.

Deputy Chief Constable Caroline Marsh said Bradley "abused the powers and privileges entrusted to him as a police officer and exploited a vulnerable person he encountered through his duties." She described his conduct as "wholly unacceptable" and said it fell "far below the standards of integrity and professionalism that the public rightly expect."

Marsh confirmed that the force's anti-corruption unit launched an investigation as soon as concerns were raised, leading to Bradley's suspension.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)