A police officer who entered ‘inappropriate relationships’ with two women he met while on duty has been jailed for 18 months.
Paul Chadwick, 51, of Churchwood, Pontypool, who served as a constable with Gwent Police, was charged with two counts of misconduct in a public office amounting to an abuse of public trust after he entered the relationships last year.
The father-of-three, whose wife was battling cancer at the time, would secretly meet one of the women for sex before and after finishing shifts as a Gwent Police officer, Cardiff Crown Court was told.
But weeks after their affair ended he kissed a second woman he met on duty – and sent her more than 240 ‘lewd and lascivious’ text messages, the court was told.
Today, the former paramedic, who quit his £37,000-a-year job when his affairs were discovered, was jailed for 18 months after admitting two charges of misconduct in a public office after the encounters between January and May 2020.
Prosecutor Roger Griffiths said Chadwick met the first woman after taking a statement from her after she had been an assault victim.
Mr Griffiths said the woman told police she trusted Chadwick and confided with him about her mental health problems before they started an affair.
Mr Griffiths said: ‘He would visit off duty and they had sex after the fourth visit and she estimated they had sex between 10 to 20 times. On other occasions it would simply be a kiss or a cuddle. He would call before or after work.’
The woman told police that Chadwick had ‘tried to stay away but that didn’t work’ and ‘he felt guilty because he was married’ but the fling continued.
She said: ‘He came back to me five times.’
Cardiff Crown Court heard their relationship ended but it was later discovered when she was found suicidal on a bridge and police were called to the scene.
After she was admitted to a mental health hospital she told fellow officers: ‘He’s a Cwmbran copper. I can’t say anything I couldn’t grass. His wife found out and that was that.’
She later revealed Chadwick’s name and said: ‘We both fell for each other – I just lost him his job.’
Mr Griffiths said: ‘As part of the subsequent investigation his phone was taken for analysis which revealed an incident with a second woman he had taken a witness statement from.
‘That woman kissed him and they had exchanged in excess of more than 240 text messages many of a lewd or lascivious nature discussing sexual preferences or sexual positions.’
When interviewed by fellow officers Chadwick confessed to the affair saying he ‘fell into temptation.’
He admitted two charges of misconduct in a public office after the sexual encounters between January and May 2020.
Sue Ferrier, defending, said the offences happened as a result of Chadwick dealing with problems in his life, including his wife’s cancer battle and a cancer scare he had suffered himself.
She said that before becoming a police officer he worked as a paramedic, adding: ‘He has spent his life helping vulnerable people.’
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke said: ‘The role of a police officer attracts serious powers and with that comes serious responsibilities.
‘It was your role that brought you into contact with these women and you took advantage of that.’
Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said as soon as the force became aware of the allegations, they were referred to the IOPC in line with procedure.
‘Every day the vast majority of our officers work hard to deliver an excellent service and to build the confidence of our communities,’ she said.
‘Individuals like Chadwick let their colleagues and communities down by not upholding our high standards of behaviour that the force and public expects from police officers. There is no place for this type of behaviour in Gwent Police.’
Independent Office for Police Conduct Director for Wales, Catrin Evans said: ‘Cases where officers abuse their position for sexual purposes are among the most serious examples of corruption that we investigate and have real potential to impact on public confidence in the police.
‘Regrettably, Paul Chadwick chose to abuse the position of trust placed in him and his actions have impacted heavily on two women, one of whom was in a highly vulnerable situation.
‘I hope this outcome sends a clear message to any officer who misconduct themselves in such a way, that they face serious consequences and will be held to account.’
That’s the way bang him up on bread and water make sure he goes on the CBB list, you could even add fake ones like the police do or turn minion convictions into serious ones they are good at that.