A senior detective who led a child murder investigation has admitted using a hidden camera to "upskirt" two schoolgirls. Detective Constable Lee Harshey-Jones, 45, was previously praised for his work as lead investigator in the murder of two-year-old Ethan Ives-Griffiths.
He was arrested by his own colleagues over the offence, which took place in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, and involved two "juvenile" girls. The incident on June 11 happened in front of witnesses who were also under the age of 16.
Guilty pleas at Chester Crown Court
Harshey-Jones pleaded guilty to operating equipment beneath clothing without consent under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. He also admitted corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers and privileges, and a charge of perverting the course of justice at Chester Crown Court.
The court heard he later tried to cover up his crimes by doing a "factory reset" on his phone. The former officer was suspended from North Wales Police after his arrest and has since resigned.
Pre-sentence report ordered
A pre-sentence report was ordered ahead of sentencing on November 19. Judge Recorder Mark Ford KC told him: "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."
North Wales Police said: "Harshey-Jones was quickly arrested and later charged by North Wales Police officers. His suspension from duty was imposed immediately."
Background of murder investigation
Harshey-Jones had been the lead investigator when Ethan was murdered by his grandparents Michael and Kerry Ives in Garden City, Flintshire, in August 2021. He previously spoke about the impact of the case on police officers, saying: "We've all had to suffer."
