A former police officer, Adam Jones, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for engaging in s*xual relationships with women connected to his professional duties.
Jones, 40, a full-time constable with Thames Valley Police from 2009 to 2022, was found guilty of misconduct in public office, willfully neglecting his duties, and engaging in inappropriate behavior while in a position of authority.
The court heard that Jones had consensual s*xual relationships with two women he encountered through his work and pursued a third. His offenses, committed between 2013 and 2021 while stationed at Milton Keynes Police Station, came to light after complaints from two domestic abuse victims.
Prosecutor James Bruce revealed that Jones had a long-term s*xual relationship with one of the complainants and pursued the other. In 2021, he initiated contact with a woman he had arrested, sending personal and s*xual messages before completing her witness statement. He later deleted these messages.
Judge Heather Norton emphasized the power imbalance in Jones’s actions, stating, “She had shared intimate details of her case and life with you, and you were in a position of authority.” One victim felt compelled to appease Jones to ensure her case progressed, while another expressed regret and a sense of being used.
The court also heard that Jones engaged in sexual activity while on duty, behavior described as a serious breach of trust that endangered public safety.
Jones resigned from the police force in September 2022 and was formally charged a year later. His defense cited struggles with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, but acknowledged his failure to meet the expectations of public trust and integrity.
Judge Norton noted that while Jones had demonstrated professionalism during his career, his misconduct had lasting impacts on his victims and the reputation of the police force. She remarked, “The harm caused to the police service is profound and malicious.”
Thames Valley Police Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs welcomed the outcome, stating, “This case reflects our commitment to take decisive action against unacceptable behavior and uphold the trust of the communities we serve.”
Jones had already faced an accelerated misconduct hearing, where it was determined that he would have been dismissed had he not resigned.
