By James Simons-
A Derbyshire police officer has been found guilty of misconduct in a public office following a four-day trial at Southwark Crown Court.
PC Matthew Longmate, aged 47, had denied accusations of engaging in sexual activity with a woman in a patrol car, a claim he dismissed as “physically impossible.”
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The trial centered on events that transpired on the night of October 4, 2015, when Longmate and his colleague, PC Daniel Nash, were conducting a night patrol in Chesterfield.
They encountered a woman who had been drinking and had been instructed to leave a nightclub. In an apparent act of goodwill, they offered the woman a lift home, which later led to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Longmate adamantly contended that such acts could not have occurred within the confined space of the patrol car, citing the presence of his police equipment, including a stab vest and utility belt containing a baton and a first aid kit.
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Removing this equipment, he argued, would have been cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring them to exit the vehicle.
However, the jury noted a discrepancy in police records, which showed Longmate’s whereabouts as unaccounted for between 2:16 am and 4:12 am on the night in question. Longmate claimed he couldn’t recall his activities during that time.
In a disturbing twist to the case, PC Daniel Nash had previously pleaded guilty to 14 counts of misconduct in public office involving separate incidents with women he had encountered through his policing duties, including victims of domestic violence.
Nash received a two-year suspended sentence but tragically passed away from cancer in September. These developments couldn’t be disclosed until the conclusion of Longmate’s trial.
Longmate disputed Nash’s statement, which claimed that both officers had engaged in sexual activity with the woman. Longmate admitted giving the woman a ride home but vehemently denied any involvement in sexual misconduct.
The prosecution was supported by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Steve Noonan, the director of major investigations at IOPC, expressed concern over Longmate’s actions, emphasizing that police officers who misuse their authority for personal gain not only discredit their profession but also undermine public trust in the police service.
He commended the victim for coming forward and providing evidence that helped hold PC Longmate accountable.
Longmate’s sentencing is scheduled for January 15, 2024, and he will also face disciplinary proceedings. DCC Simon Blatchly from Derbyshire constabulary assured the public that there was no evidence of broader knowledge or wrongdoing by any other officer or staff member.
In a statement, DCC Simon Blatchly said, “Matthew Longmate has been found guilty of a truly horrendous crime. Longmate not only failed to protect but actively sought to abuse his position while on patrol.
From the evidence that was found, this appears to have been a single incident, and he committed his offense in collusion with former PC Daniel Nash.
Longmate has no place in policing, and following his guilty verdict, an accelerated hearing will take place to remove him from the force.”
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