Three serving police officers from Cleveland Police have been handed prison sentences for their roles in a corrupt conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. The case, described as a 'shameful episode', has sent shockwaves through the force and the local community.
The officers – Police Constables Jameson, Collins, and Marie – were found to have colluded in a cover-up following an incident where one of them used excessive force during an arrest in Norton. They then fabricated evidence and lied in official statements to protect their colleague from the consequences.
A Web of Lies Unravels
The plot began to unravel when the victim of the assault bravely came forward, and an investigation was launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The subsequent probe, handled by Durham Constabulary, meticulously pieced together the web of lies constructed by the officers.
Evidence presented at Durham Crown Court revealed the trio had concocted a false narrative and coordinated their stories to mislead investigators. Their actions were a blatant betrayal of the trust placed in them by the public.
Sentencing and Fallout
At sentencing, the judge condemned the officers' actions as a "gross breach of trust" that had undermined public confidence in policing. The sentences reflect the severity of the offence:
- PC Jameson was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment.
- PC Collins received an 18-month sentence.
- PC Marie was sentenced to 12 months behind bars.
A fourth individual, who is not a police officer, was also sentenced for their part in the conspiracy. All have now faced the consequences of their attempts to obstruct justice.
Cleveland Police has stated that misconduct proceedings will now commence to formally dismiss the disgraced officers from the force. This case serves as a stark reminder that those tasked with upholding the law are not above it.
