A former Lincolnshire Police constable has been jailed for 20 months for misconduct
It's after he started an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman he met while on duty
Last updated 6th Sep 2023
A former Lincolnshire Police constable who sent sexually inappropriate messages and started a relationship with a woman he'd met in the line of duty has been jailed for misconduct.
56-year-old Shaun Wheeler, who was based at Boston, previously admitted two charges.
A court heard Wheeler sent explicit videos and pictures to a woman he'd met after she reported being harassed by an abusive ex partner.
He started an intimate relationship with her which included time spent with her whilst on duty .
Today at Nottingham Crown Court he was sentenced to 20 months in prison for charges relating to sexual activity and a concurrent nine-month term for inappropriate communications.
The investigation was carried out by the Independent Office of Police Conduct, following a referral made by Lincolnshire Police in 2019 when the actions of Wheeler were uncovered.
Following sentencing, Deputy Chief Constable Julia Debenham said:
“Shaun Wheeler’s actions go against everything the police service stands for. He is a disgrace to the uniform. His behaviour undermines the great work that hundreds of colleagues do every day as they work hard to keep people safe and do so with integrity and professionalism – the exact opposite of what Shaun Wheeler has done. I’m pleased that the court has recognised his flagrant abuse of power and imposed the sentence it has.
“We are grateful to everyone who came forward to assist in the investigation because it takes great strength and courage. Without their evidence this case may not have had the outcome it has.
“We have invested heavily in prevention, intelligence gathering and education of staff about those who abuse their position for a sexual purpose. We actively encourage staff to report any concerns in person, to Crimestoppers or by using our in-force confidential reporting system. We have reviewed the policy around reporting corrupt behaviour by officers and how referrals can be made.
“Similarly, we encourage any members of the public to contact us if they think an officer’s behaviour isn’t up to the high standards expected of them. Our focus on victims and preventing people from becoming victims, regardless of who the perpetrator may be, remains at the heart of all we do.”