Ex-detective faces misconduct hearing over texts

A former detective who admitted having inappropriate contact with the mother of a sexual abuse victim will face a misconduct hearing.

John Littlewood, who worked in Warwickshire Police's child abuse, trafficking and exploitation team, was given a suspended sentence in January.

Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard he had met the woman during an investigation involving her daughter, who had been sexually abused.

A misconduct hearing has been scheduled for 17 April.

Speaking after January's sentencing hearing, Derrick Campbell from the Independent Office of Police Conduct said the woman was "vulnerable" and had "clearly been manipulated".

The court heard the pair had exchanged numerous messages by text and on social media, many of a sexualised nature.

At the time, Littlewood was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for 15 months, and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to one count of improper exercise of police powers and privileges.

In documents filed by Warwickshire Police online, the former detective constable is accused of breaching standards of honesty and integrity, and discreditable conduct, as well as a breach of authority, respect and courtesy.

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