A former North Wales Police detective has admitted upskirting a teenage girl using his mobile phone camera. Lee Harshey-Jones, 45, pleaded guilty to three charges at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday.
Guilty pleas and charges
Detective Constable Harshey-Jones admitted recording an image under clothing to observe another person without consent in relation to an incident in Colwyn Bay, Conwy, on June 11. He also admitted intending to pervert the course of justice after factory-resetting his phone in an attempt to conceal evidence from criminal investigations.
The defendant pleaded guilty to a third charge of corrupt or improper use of police powers and privileges after viewing an internal log relating to the incident.
Suspension and court proceedings
Harshey-Jones was arrested and charged shortly after the incident and was subsequently suspended by his employer, North Wales Police. Ryan Donoghue, defending, asked for a pre-sentence report, saying his client was of previous good character.
Conditional bail was extended until Harshey-Jones' sentencing hearing at Chester Crown Court on November 19. Recorder Mark Ford KC told the defendant: "The fact that I have adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report should not be taken by you as any indication to you as to what sentence will be passed on these serious counts."
Force statement
North Wales Police said in a statement: "Criminal proceedings and North Wales Police misconduct protocols remain active and the force is unable to provide comment at this time."
