Conor Johnstone, a top lawyer who once called himself a "legal missile", has been sentenced for impersonating a police officer to obtain CCTV footage from Nando's. He appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Monday after being found guilty of the offence.
Johnstone, of Broad Lane in Altrincham, phoned the Nando's in Stockton Health, Warrington, on July 22 last year. Pretending to be "PC Matt Gregory", he claimed to be a family liaison officer with Cheshire Constabulary's domestic violence unit.
Fake email sent to Nando's
During the call, Johnstone said there had been an incident between two customers the previous day and that one of those involved had complained to the police. He asked for CCTV footage of the couple and followed up with an email from "matt.gregory@cheshirepolice.uk", which carried the force's official crest and a collar number.
He sent further "pushy" emails after filling out a data protection form with the false police details. When emails began bouncing back, suspicious staff phoned Cheshire Constabulary's 101 line and discovered the officer did not exist.
Police asked internet provider Heart Internet for information and found the account belonged to Johnstone. A debit card in his name had also been used to buy the domain for the fake email account, and the purchase was made using his date of birth, phone number and address. He later attended a voluntary police interview but remained silent and refused to answer questions.
Court rejects defence
In the magistrates' trial, prosecutor Nicki Forster said Johnstone wanted the CCTV to spy on his ex-partner of 12 years, who was pregnant with their third child at the time. Johnstone denied this, claiming his ex-partner had sent the emails and was trying to spy on him and his new partner. He also said the debit card was a company card with multiple people having access to it.
Magistrates dismissed his account and convicted him of impersonating a police officer. On Monday they handed him a 12-month community order, ordered him to complete 260 hours of supervised unpaid work, and required him to pay £650 in court costs and a £114 surcharge.
Detective's warning
Detective Darroch, from Cheshire Constabulary's protecting vulnerable people unit, said: "You do not have to be a solicitor to know that impersonating a police officer is a very serious offence, so Connor Johnstone will have been well aware that his actions were illegal."
"Under the guise of this persona, and armed with a false email that would have looked legitimate to the uninitiated, Johnstone took advantage of two employees who were simply looking to assist with what they thought was an official police investigation." He added: "Johnstone clearly counted his own chickens before they hatched, as his decision to play pretend police officer has ultimately resulted in causing permanent damage to his own reputation."
Darroch also urged anyone who thinks they are being contacted by a fake officer to call Cheshire Police. "Genuine officers will always be happy to verify their identity. If you are unsure, you can ask to see a warrant card and, if necessary, call 101 to confirm an officer's details."
Career and clients
Johnstone heads up Widnes-based MAJ Law, a family firm founded by his father, and is director of Johnstone Acquisitions, a property developer on Old Hall Street in Liverpool. On an online profile he described himself as "punchy, powerful and makes moves with zero hesitation" and "built for high performance and fast decisions - just don't get in his way".
The firm specialises in defending drink and drug drivers, with Johnstone appearing in YouTube videos with headlines like "how to get off a fail to provide charge". Its website details how clients can be helped by "discussing potential loopholes" and "finding fault with police procedure". He has previously represented former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders and Love Island winner Jack Fincham.
Appeal planned
Speaking to the Daily Mail after his trial, Johnstone said he was "disappointed with the court's verdict" and was going to appeal the decision.
