FORMER POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED FOR INDECENTLY ASSAULTING CHILD
A former police officer has received a legal sentence after being found guilty of assaulting a teenage girl more than a quarter-century ago.Paul Harold, aged 47, faced charges brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after an inquiry by Staffordshire Police.
The events took place in May 1997, when Harold detained the 15-year-old victim for shoplifting in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The girl, who was vulnerable and in foster care, was involved.
While at the police station, Harold wrote his contact number on her hand.
He later contacted her at her care home and arranged to meet.
During one meeting, he took her to his home and committed indecent assault.
Following the presentation of evidence from the prosecution, the jury convicted Harold on two counts of indecent assault.
He was sentenced today to two years in prison, suspended for two years.
Claire Brinton, a CPS Specialist Prosecutor overseeing child sexual abuse cases, commented: “Paul Harold abused his position of trust as a police officer to assault a child that he knew was vulnerable.
“I want to thank the victim for coming forward after so many years.
We know how difficult it can be to revisit previous experiences - but her speaking out has been instrumental in securing justice in this case.
“The Crown Prosecution Service remains committed to supporting victims of child sexual abuse and ensuring that offenders face justice regardless of when their crimes were committed.
“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them to the police.
You are not alone and there is always help available.”
