Greater Manchester Police Officer Convicted of “Sickening Sexual Abuse.
Former Detective Constable Stephen Hardy, who served with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after being found guilty of 20 sexual abuse offenses, including six counts of rape. The victim, who endured these horrifying abuses from the age of 12, reported the crimes in 2020, leading to a trial at Liverpool Crown Court that ultimately resulted in Hardy’s conviction.
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones presided over the case and delivered a scathing assessment of Hardy’s actions, describing them as “devious” and characterized by a “sinister streak.” The judge emphasized that Hardy had manipulated and controlled his victim, treating them as a “puppet or sex object” and holding a malevolent influence over their life. Consequently, the judge ruled Hardy to be a dangerous offender and imposed an extended six-year licence on his sentence.
Throughout the proceedings, Hardy displayed no remorse for his actions, according to Judge Trevor-Jones. Despite the gravity of the charges and the weight of evidence against him, Hardy continued to deny all allegations during the four-week trial.
Prosecutor Vanessa Thomson detailed how the victim bravely reported the abuse to the police in 2020. In a statement read aloud in court, the victim conveyed the profound and lasting impact of the abuse on their mental health and well-being. The victim expressed enduring fear, particularly concerning authority figures, despite their courage in coming forward to report these heinous crimes.
This distressing case underscores the critical importance of holding individuals in positions of power and trust accountable for their actions, regardless of their professional roles. It also serves as a stark reminder that victims of sexual abuse should be encouraged and supported when reporting their experiences.
The sentencing of Stephen Hardy reflects the commitment of the justice system to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual abuse are held responsible for their crimes and that victims receive the support and justice they deserve.
Resources:
1.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-66795895
2.https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2023-09-14/police-officer-jailed-for-rape-and-sex-assault-on-child