Background

Lucy Hicks of JMW Solicitors and Sarah Barlow of Exchange Chambers successfully represented a police officer, Mr S, who had been charged with Misconduct in Public Office and Sexual Assault.

It was alleged that Mr S had misconducted himself in the course of his duties by using his position as a police officer to facilitate inappropriate contact with the complainant. It was suggested that, on one occasion, Mr S sexually assaulted her.

Mr S had been a neighbourhood police officer for around 20 years. He strongly denied the prosecution’s case from his initial police station interview in 2024 to his trial in 2026.

JMW's approach

The allegations spanned an 8-year time period, requiring careful and considered preparation of the case with Mr S to address every aspect of the allegations. Detailed reviews were conducted of the evidence including witness statements, phone records, email correspondence and geofencing data.

Sarah and Lucy’s attention to detail ensured that Mr S’s case was robustly prepared.

The outcome

After a two and a half week trial, Mr S was acquitted of both charges.

Sarah Barlow provided the following feedback after the conclusion of the trial:

"Lucy marshalled a vast amount of information brilliantly, which made my job much easier. Her grasp of the case and the real issues was seriously impressive.

She really is a star in the making and I very much look forward to working with her again."