Detective sentenced over inappropriate texts
PA MediaA former police detective has received a suspended sentence after admitting to having inappropriate contact with a woman he met on duty.
John Littlewood, formerly of Warwickshire Police, worked as a detective constable in the force's child abuse, trafficking and exploitation team, and was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday.
The 53-year-old previously pleaded guilty to one count of improper exercise of police powers and privileges at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 20 November.
Judge John Butterfield KC handed Littlewood an eight month sentence, suspended for 15 months, and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
The 53-year-old was charged following a Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation, which concluded in December 2024.
The court heard the officer had met a woman during an investigation involving her daughter who had been sexually abused.
Numerous messages were exchanged between the pair by text and Facebook, as well as phone calls.
Littlewood acknowledged in some that having communication with her was wrong.
In one message he said: "Going to have to stop this now, you know I could get into a lot of [expletive] at work."
The court was also informed the two of them had exchanged messages of a sexualised and provocative in nature.
'Knew his behaviour was improper'
IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said the woman who had been in contact with Littlewood was "vulnerable" and had "clearly been manipulated".
"He met her while on duty and used that contact to start up a friendship which led to inappropriate contact including sexualised messages," he explained.
"The officer clearly knew his behaviour was improper as he told her to delete messages, some of which were sent while on duty, as they would get him into trouble at work.
"Police professional standards are clear that officers should never use their position to establish or pursue improper relationships with any victims, witness, offenders or other vulnerable person and never enter into inappropriate communication."
Supt Paul Thompson, head of professional standards at Warwickshire Police, added: "As police officers we are expected to uphold the law and protect vulnerable victims, not exploit them in this way.
"Littlewood's behaviour fell way below the standards we expect and we welcome this outcome."
Littlewood will now be subject to force misconduct proceedings.
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