A serving police officer has plunged the Claudia Lawrence investigation into fresh controversy after admitting he would have engaged in sexual activity with a suspect in the high-profile missing person case.
The shocking revelation emerged during a misconduct hearing where PC James Atherton, an officer with North Yorkshire Police, faced allegations of gross misconduct. The hearing was told that Atherton made the inappropriate comments while discussing the long-running investigation into Claudia's disappearance.
Troubling Admissions Surface
During proceedings, the officer conceded that he had declared he would 'have sex with a suspect' involved in the Claudia Lawrence case. This stunning admission forms part of multiple allegations against PC Atherton, who also faces claims of sending 'inappropriate messages and images' while on duty.
The misconduct panel heard how the officer's behaviour fell far below the standards expected of a serving police constable, potentially damaging public confidence in the force and the sensitive investigation.
Decade-Long Mystery Deepens
Claudia Lawrence, a chef at York University, vanished without trace in March 2009 while walking home from work. The 35-year-old's disappearance has remained one of Britain's most baffling missing person cases, with North Yorkshire Police treating it as a suspected murder investigation despite no body ever being found.
The latest development raises serious questions about professional conduct within the investigation team and comes as a devastating blow to Claudia's family, who have endured 15 years of uncertainty about her fate.
Police Force Under Scrutiny
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed the misconduct proceedings are ongoing, stating: 'We expect the highest standards of professional behaviour from all our officers and staff.'
The hearing continues as the force faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that the troubled investigation hasn't been compromised by individual officers' conduct.
