Former police officer Jordan Masterson has been sentenced to three and a half years in jail after being found guilty of misconduct in a public office. The case revolves around an incident where Masterson engaged in sexual activity with a woman while responding to a 999 call at her home in Widnes, Cheshire. Masterson, who was a probationary police constable at the time, turned off his body camera during the encounter, claiming to feel “powerless” in the situation.
The sentencing took place at Chester Crown Court, where Masterson was described as breaching the trust placed in him as a police officer. Judge Michael Leeming emphasized the severity of Masterson’s actions, stating that members of the public expect law enforcement officers to act with integrity and uphold their duties to serve and protect. Masterson’s conduct not only violated the trust of the community but also demonstrated a failure to fulfill his responsibilities as a police officer.
During the trial, it was revealed that Masterson had responded to a report of a disturbance at the woman’s home, where her children were asleep. The atmosphere shifted when Masterson touched the woman’s hand, according to her testimony. Masterson claimed that the woman initiated physical contact and later returned to the room naked, leaving him feeling confused and powerless. However, Judge Leeming rejected Masterson’s assertions, asserting that his behavior amounted to a gross breach of trust and exploitation of the vulnerable position of the woman.
After the encounter, the woman reported the incident to the police, initially describing it as rape before clarifying that she had consented to sexual activity. Masterson’s defense highlighted his deteriorating mental health since his arrest, citing a medical report suggesting he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder due to childhood trauma. Despite this, Masterson’s actions were deemed unacceptable, and he was held accountable for his misconduct.
Masterson’s sentencing included an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman involved in the incident, identified as female G. This measure aims to protect the victim and prevent any further distress or harassment caused by Masterson’s actions. Additionally, Masterson was placed on the barred list, effectively preventing him from future employment in policing.
The case underscores the importance of upholding the integrity and professionalism of law enforcement officers. Police officers are entrusted with significant authority and responsibility, and their actions must adhere to the highest ethical standards. Masterson’s misconduct represents a betrayal of the public trust and undermines confidence in the police force.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) condemned Masterson’s behavior, emphasizing that such conduct has no place in policing. The IOPC stressed the need for accountability and transparency within police departments to address instances of misconduct and ensure that officers are held responsible for their actions.
Moving forward, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to maintain public trust and confidence in law enforcement. It highlights the importance of robust oversight mechanisms and disciplinary procedures to address misconduct within the police force effectively. By holding officers accountable for their actions, law enforcement agencies can uphold their commitment to serving and protecting the community while fostering accountability and integrity within the ranks.