A police officer who had a sexual relationship with a teenage girl more than 15 years ago has been dismissed without notice following a misconduct hearing.
Detective Constable Nicholas Henry was found guilty of gross misconduct and has also subsequently been placed on the police barred list.
The misconduct hearing took place before a panel chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson at our Headquarters. This followed the conclusion of an investigation by our Professional Standards Department (PSD), under the direction of Independent Office for Police Conduct.
During the hearing, the panel was told DC Henry began talking to the victim online when he was 24-years-old and when he knew she was only 15-years-old.
He then allegedly shared sexually explicit images with her before meeting her in person in June 2009; when she was 16.
DC Henry is then said to have engaged in physical sexual activity with her and encouraged her to “take part in rape role play”.
Details of the misconduct, which was said to have continued until September 2011, came to light in 2023 when the victim told one of our off-duty police sergeant who then reported it to our PSD.
The victim, now aged in her 30s, gave an account to police about DC Henry’s conduct but did not make a formal statement.
DC Henry, who provided notice of his intention to resign last week, did not attend the misconduct hearing. He did however provide a formal response admitting he had a sexual relationship with the teenager but said that it was not until she was 16 and that it lasted only three months.
The panel subsequently found the allegations proven and that DC Henry’s behaviour amounted to discreditable conduct under the Standards of Professional Behaviour. They concluded the breach was so serious that it amounted to gross misconduct and dismissed him without notice.
Speaking after the hearing, ACC Mathieson said: “DC Nicholas Henry groomed and exploited a vulnerable child while he was a serving police officer.
“His actions undoubtedly discredit and undermine the public’s confidence in policing.
“The fact he was most recently working as a detective on our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team is concerning and could have a serious impact on victims’ trust in us to investigate crimes.
“Although DC Henry did not ultimately face prosecution, a misconduct process has rightly ensured he is no longer allowed to work in policing.
“This case demonstrates we are doing everything we can to root out people like DC Henry, who aren’t fit to wear our uniform.
“I’d also like to reassure victims of rape and other serious sexual offences that we are committed to investigating any reports you make with the aim of achieving the justice you deserve. We will also ensure you have access to any support you might need.”