STUART TRENTHAM, FORMER DONCASTER POLICE OFFICER, JAILED FOR INAPPROPRIATE MESSAGES TO VULNERABLE WOMAN

A former police officer from Doncaster has been sentenced to prison after engaging in a series of inappropriate and sexually charged communications with a woman who was already vulnerable due to a prior case he was involved in investigating. Stuart Trentham, aged 41, was serving as a South Yorkshire Police officer based in Doncaster when the incident occurred. The case came to light after the woman reported that her private sexual images had been unlawfully shared online without her consent, prompting an investigation into the matter.

During the court proceedings at Sheffield Crown Court, it was revealed that Trentham was responsible for leading the investigation into her complaint. However, instead of maintaining a professional stance, he engaged in deceitful and inappropriate behavior. He falsely informed the woman that a suspect was being interviewed in relation to her case, when in reality, the investigation had already been closed. This lie was part of a pattern of misconduct that grew more troubling as the communication continued.

The prosecution outlined how Trentham’s messages to the woman became increasingly inappropriate over time. The court heard that he began to sign his messages with a kiss, a clear departure from professional conduct. Prosecutor Joseph Bell detailed further disturbing comments made by Trentham, including him telling the woman that he 'liked a bit of meat' and that there was 'nothing worse than a flat, boney butt.' These remarks demonstrated a blatant disregard for boundaries and a clear shift towards sexualized communication.

Despite the inappropriate nature of his messages, the woman initially chose to unblock Trentham, believing that he might still possess relevant information about her case. She had trusted him as part of the investigation process. However, her trust was severely compromised when Trentham later sent her a photograph of himself dressed in police uniform, accompanied by the message 'working hard' along with winking and kissing emojis. This act of sending a personal image further blurred the lines between professional duty and personal misconduct.

In her victim personal statement, the woman expressed her pain and disillusionment, stating, 'I have now come to the painful realisation that I was simply a target for exploitation by him.' Her words underscored the betrayal she felt, especially given Trentham’s position as a police officer who was supposed to uphold the law and protect victims.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC sentenced Trentham to nine months in prison, emphasizing that his actions had significantly undermined public confidence in the police force. The judge highlighted that Trentham’s conduct evolved from personal messages to overtly inappropriate and sexualized communications, which posed a serious concern for the integrity of law enforcement. He expressed concern that such misconduct could discourage other victims from coming forward to report crimes, fearing they might be met with similar betrayal.

Addressing Trentham directly, Judge Richardson stated, 'I take no pleasure in sending a former police officer to prison for nine months. You have brought this on yourself. It is a terrible day for you. I hope this sentence restores some confidence the public repose in the police.'

Trentham’s legal representative, David James, expressed that his client wished to apologize to the woman and to his former colleagues in the police force. Trentham had previously pleaded guilty to one count of wilful misconduct during an earlier hearing, acknowledging his wrongdoing.

Following the sentencing, South Yorkshire Police issued a statement condemning criminal behavior and misconduct within their ranks. Ch Cons Lauren Poultney emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards, especially when members of the public report crimes. She acknowledged the courage of the victim in coming forward and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to dealing decisively with misconduct. The statement reinforced that any officers found guilty of criminal activity or breaches of conduct would face appropriate disciplinary action, aiming to restore trust and uphold the integrity of the police service in Doncaster and beyond.