Cop convicted of having sexual relationship with vulnerable woman remains suspended on full pay
The Fermanagh-based officer had previously denied two counts of misconduct in public office and a single count of unauthorised access to computer material.
Serving PSNI officer Timothy Hampton remains suspended on his full salary
A police officer who admitted in court having a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman he met while on duty is still suspended on full pay.
Serving officer Timothy Hampton, with an address given as c/o Enniskillen PSNI Station, pleaded guilty to the charges on Wednesday.
Despite now being convicted he remains suspended on his full PSNI salary.
The Fermanagh-based officer had previously denied two counts of misconduct in public office and a single count of unauthorised access to computer material.
It was alleged that between June 9 and September 5, 2021, Hampton wilfully misconducted himself amounting to an abuse of public trust.
The charge stated that he “engaged in a sexual relationship, on duty, with a female member of the public with whom you came into contact during the course of your current work and duties, for your own benefit or satisfaction, without reasonable excuse or justification, knowing that she was vulnerable at that time and that it was wrong for you to engage in such activity”.
The second misconduct charge alleged he failed to notify police he had knowledge the female made a false report of an incident to police.
He is accused of encouraging her to make a further false report to police.
Hampton was further charged with one count of unauthorised access to computer material on September 5, 2021.
The case had been set for Crown Court trial with Hampton denying any wrongdoing.
On Wednesday he entered a guilty plea and was released on continuing bail, to appear again on November 20, at which stage he is expected to be sentenced.
His case is currently under investigation by the office of the Police Ombudsman.
It is not clear when the Ombudsman will report back on the Hampton case.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “The officer remains suspended pending the outcome of the Police Ombudsman investigation.”
In May the PSNI confirmed there were currently 52 police officers and eight members of civilian staff currently suspended for a variety of reasons, including gross misconduct investigations and criminal convictions.
The majority of the suspensions are precautionary with 36 in relation to ongoing criminal investigations and one due to an alleged breach of GDPR.
A total of 13 of the suspensions are the result of gross misconduct investigations.
Suspended officers cost the PSNI over £2.6 million last year in wages.
