KRISTIAN ABBOTT RADCLIFFE POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED IN SEX ACT SCANDAL IN MANCHESTER AND ROCHDALE

In December 2010, a high-profile case involving Kristian Abbott, a police officer from Radcliffe, captured public attention due to the serious allegations and subsequent legal proceedings. Abbott, aged 29 at the time, was convicted of engaging in a sexual act in front of a young girl while on duty, an incident that took place in Manchester. His conviction was based on evidence presented at Manchester Crown Court in November 2008, where he was sentenced to 21 months in prison after being found guilty of sexual misconduct in the presence of a minor.

Following his release from incarceration, Kristian Abbott sought to challenge his conviction, bringing his case before the Court of Appeal in London. The appeal hearing took place in January 2009, with Abbott’s legal representatives arguing that new DNA testing on his uniform trousers cast doubt on the original verdict. His lawyer, Andy Fitzpatrick, contended that this evidence rendered Abbott’s conviction “unsafe” and warranted a reconsideration of the case. However, the panel of three senior judges dismissed these arguments, describing them as “thoroughly bad” and affirming that the new DNA test would not have influenced the jury’s decision.

To understand the gravity of the case, it is important to note the circumstances leading to Abbott’s initial conviction. The incident occurred in 2007 when Abbott, then a police officer with five years of service, picked up a 15-year-old girl who had run away from a care home. The girl, who was in the care of social services, was at Rochdale train station when Abbott offered her a ride. During the journey, Abbott allegedly made inappropriate advances, asking her if she was working as a prostitute and repeatedly requesting her to expose herself. The girl responded with a remark questioning Abbott’s professionalism, saying, “Aren’t you meant to be a copper?”

According to court records, Abbott initially appeared to joke about the situation, but his behavior persisted. The girl was detained in a police station for about 20 minutes before Abbott offered her a lift back to her care home in Yorkshire. During the drive, Abbott allegedly asked her to perform sex acts and again inquired about her occupation. The girl expressed her awareness of her age, asking Abbott, “Do you not know how old I am?” and questioned his integrity, calling him “weird.”

The situation escalated when Abbott stopped the vehicle, pulled over, and performed a sex act on himself. He then dropped the girl off at her care home, from which she had been reported missing the previous night. The girl immediately reported the incident to staff at the care home, describing her feelings of fear and shame. An investigation was launched, but Abbott maintained that “nothing untoward” had occurred, denying any wrongdoing.

The victim later provided a statement to the court, describing how the ordeal left her feeling “dirty” and “scared to tell” anyone out of fear that Abbott might retaliate. She revealed that the experience had led her into risky situations and made her hesitant to contact the police, fearing further abuse from law enforcement officers. The girl also shared her struggles with sleep, anxiety, and the emotional toll of growing up in care, emphasizing how difficult it had been to be falsely portrayed as a liar.

During the trial, Abbott’s defense lawyer, Mark Jones, announced plans to appeal the conviction, asserting Abbott’s innocence. At the time, Abbott was suspended from duty and faced the possibility of dismissal or resignation. The court sentenced Abbott to 21 months in prison, with half to be served behind bars and the remainder on license. Judge Peter Lakin emphasized the breach of trust involved, stating that as a police officer, Abbott’s duty was to protect the vulnerable and uphold the law. The judge condemned Abbott’s actions as a gross abuse of authority, highlighting that his conduct not only broke the law but also tarnished the reputation of Greater Manchester Police.

As Abbott was led away from the courtroom, his family shouted words of support, insisting on his innocence and vowing to fight for him. The court also disqualified Abbott from working with children indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his misconduct and the impact on public trust in law enforcement.