Merseyside PC who had sex with abuse victim on duty jailed

A "deplorable" PC who had sex with a victim of abuse while he was meant to be searching for a missing person has been jailed.

Merseyside Police said Adam Hoyle admitted having relationships with three women he met after they had reported domestic or sexual abuse.

Hoyle, of Halewood, also travelled in a police vehicle to have sex, it said.

The 39-year-old, who resigned from the force after being charged, was given four years at Liverpool Crown Court.

Hoyle, who was based at Lower Lane police station in Liverpool, was found guilty of misconduct in public office in September, having previously admitted three further counts.

He was also convicted of three counts of unauthorised access to computer material.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate contact after a referral by Merseyside Police in November 2019.

In two cases, Hoyle visited a woman while on duty and travelled in a police vehicle to have sex, the police watchdog said.

It added that at the time of one visit in October 2016, he was supposed to be looking for a high-risk missing person.

The IOPC also found evidence he attempted to initiate a sexual relationship with another woman.

Speaking after sentencing, a Merseyside Police representative confirmed that Hoyle, who resigned from the force prior to a misconduct hearing, had been formally dismissed from the force for gross misconduct.

He was also placed on the College of Policing Barred Register.

Det Ch Supt Baker said in "repeatedly abusing his position of trust with victims of crimes", Hoyle's behaviour had been "deplorable".

"It is right that as a force we identify anyone who thinks it is acceptable to behave in such a manner and do everything within our powers to remove them," he added.

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