Ex-Sergeant Jailed for Grooming Domestic Abuse Victim
Stephen Kirkpatrick, 36, a former sergeant at Guildford Police Station, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, July 30. The disgraced officer pled guilty to misconduct in public office after having an inappropriate relationship with a domestic abuse victim he was meant to protect.
Police Trust Shattered
The scandal came to light in January 2020 when Surrey Police handed the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Kirkpatrick resigned from the force in September that year, but justice has finally caught up.
Community Service and Misconduct Proceedings Follow
Kirkpatrick was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. Meanwhile, internal gross misconduct proceedings loom, despite his resignation.
T/Assistant Chief Constable Alison Barlow blasted, “Former sergeant Kirkpatrick let down not just a vulnerable victim but the public and his police colleagues. We expect professionalism, and this behaviour has no place in policing.”
The force is sending a clear message: abusing trust will not be tolerated, even from those sworn to protect.
