The policing watchdog has charged a former police constable with misconduct in a public office over an allegation he abused his role for a "sexual purpose".
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said PC Jordan Masterson is due to make a first appearance before magistrates in Warrington on Wednesday, December 21. An IOPC spokesman said the agency's investigation began in January following a referral from Cheshire Constabulary.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) issued a separate statement about the charging decision in which it stressed the right to a fair trial and the need to avoid commentary that might prejudice proceedings. Cheshire Constabulary told the ECHO that Masterson was based at Widnes Local Policing Unit.
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Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, which deals with allegations against police officers, said: “Following a review of the evidence after an investigation by the IOPC, former Cheshire Constabulary officer Jordan Masterson, 26, has been charged with misconduct in public office.
“He is accused of abusing his position for a sexual purpose.
"The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice proceedings.”
The IOPC statement said: "Following an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation, a former Cheshire Constabulary police constable has been charged with misconduct in public office.
"He is accused of abusing his position for a sexual purpose.
"PC Jordan Masterson will make a first appearance at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, December 21.
"The IOPC began a criminal investigation on January 4, 2022 following a referral from Cheshire Constabulary in December 2021.
"Prior to the referral, PC Masterson had been arrested by the force and suspended later the same day.
"We concluded our investigation in April 2022 and referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service."
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