NORTHAMPTON POLICE OFFICER FIRED FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH VULNERABLE WOMAN
PC Jody Lathwell, a member of Northamptonshire Police, has been dismissed after attempting to develop a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman involved in an ongoing case.The misconduct panel revealed that in November 2023, Lathwell reached out to the woman through LinkedIn while investigating serious crimes.
The woman, who had previously disclosed an abusive relationship, was recognized as a vulnerable individual.
It was found that the officer exchanged sexually explicit messages with a LinkedIn account he believed was hers, which was later proven to be under his ownership.
He did not contact her directly but was still deemed to have acted inappropriately by the court.
Lathwell was suspended during the duration of the investigation.
He, aged 44 and from Bletchley in Milton Keynes, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office at Northampton Crown Court on 17 April.
On 28 May, he received a sentence of 32 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, along with a requirement to complete 100 hours of community service and 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity.
The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police commented that immediate dismissal was the only appropriate step to uphold public trust, while Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley expressed disappointment, stating that his conduct was well below the high standards expected of police officers.
Lathwell has since been added to the police barred list, and his misconduct was viewed as highly damaging to the reputation and integrity of the police service.
