A former police constable who publicly stated the need to 'get rid of sex pests' has been banned from serving in any force after being found guilty of groping two female colleagues at a party.
The Incidents at the Party
Former PC Jordan Wakefield, who was stationed in Boston, Lincolnshire, left the women feeling violated after touching them inappropriately during a social event last year. A police misconduct panel heard detailed evidence about the two separate assaults.
The first woman, identified only as Person A, stated that Wakefield approached her from behind as she danced. She told the panel he grabbed her hips and rubbed his penis against her. 'As soon as I felt myself being pulled, I looked over my shoulder and knew instantly who it was,' she testified. 'It was unnecessary and unwanted. I felt violated.'
The second colleague, Person B, alleged that Wakefield reached under her skirt and groped her bum. She said he would have touched her skin directly if she had not been wearing shorts underneath. 'I bolted forward, turned round, and saw him standing there,' she recounted, adding she felt 'embarrassed I didn't challenge it or stand up for myself at the time.'
Denial and Immediate Aftermath
Both women immediately informed friends at the party about what had happened and left soon after. Person A reported experiencing a 'feeling of dread' about potentially being alone with Wakefield at work the following day and reported the incident to her sergeant.
Another officer present, who did not witness the act itself, described seeing the 'look of a woman in distress' on Person A's face, likening it to a discreet 'help me' plea given on a night out.
Wakefield, who admitted drinking three beers, a whisky and coke, a vodka shot, and champagne but claimed he was only 'tipsy, not drunk', denied all allegations. He told the panel, 'I can't think of any clear reasons why allegations were made. I haven't done it, it's as simple as that.' He had previously resigned from Lincolnshire Police in October.
Panel Findings and Permanent Ban
The misconduct hearing, held at Lincolnshire Police headquarters in Nettleham with the victims giving evidence from behind a screen, found all allegations proven. The panel concluded Wakefield had breached multiple standards of professional behaviour.
Charley Rimmer, the panel's chairperson, stated that 'a reasonable member of the public would be alarmed and shocked to learn of the officer's conduct' and highlighted a 'high risk of repetition'. The panel determined he would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not already resigned.
As a final consequence, Jordan Wakefield has been placed on the barred list, preventing him from ever serving in any police force in the future.
