Former Shrewsbury police officer sentenced for sexual assault
Liam Smith, 30, from Lancer Road was found guilty following a trial.
Last updated 18th Jul 2024
A former West Mercia Police officer has been sentenced to a nine month community order for sexual assault.
Liam Smith, 30, of Lancer Road in Shrewsbury will also serve 140 hours of community service and pay £300 in compensation and £2000 in costs.
He was found guilty last month following three-days of deliberations by the jury.
The court heard how he assaulted the woman by sexually touching her over her clothing whilst off-duty and on a night out in Shrewsbury in September 2022.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Richard Cooper, said: “I’m pleased that Smith has been held to account for his actions.”
“Any form of sexual assault is totally unacceptable, and as this case shows, we can and do take action against offenders regardless of who they are.
“I’d once again like to commend the victim for coming forward. I don’t underestimate the courage that this would have taken.
“We expect the highest standards of conduct from our officers, both on and off-duty, and when these standards are breached we act quickly. Smith was suspended as soon as the allegation came to light and resigned from the force on 3 December 2023.
“Despite having already resigned from the force he will face accelerated misconduct proceedings now criminal proceedings have concluded.”
If you’ve been affected by sexual assault then local support is available from the Victim Advice Line on 0800 9523000.