PC who had sex with suspect admits misconduct

PC Matthew Lynch is based at Slough police station

A police officer who embarked on a sexual relationship with a woman he arrested has pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office.

PC Matthew Lynch, 36, who works for Thames Valley Police (TVP) in Slough, Berkshire, admitted forming a personal relationship with the woman.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said he admitted having sexual contact with her from March to October 2021 and during the course of a criminal investigation, which he led.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

The IOPC will now work with TVP to organise an accelerated misconduct hearing.

IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “The police are there to help the people they serve, not exploit them. Abuse of position for a sexual purpose is serious corruption and has absolutely no place in policing.

“PC Matthew Lynch took advantage of a woman he knew was in a vulnerable position, which included welfare concerns, and in doing so damaged her – and the public’s - trust in the police," she added.

“Officers must not, under any circumstances, use their professional position to form a sexual or improper emotional relationship with a vulnerable person.”

He admitted one count of misconduct in a public office at the Barbican's Nightingale Court in London on Thursday.

Sasha Barton, from law firm Hodge Jones & Allen, said: “This police officer’s actions were a gross abuse of power over my vulnerable client which has left her traumatised.

"She is relieved that he has finally done the right thing by pleading guilty to his abhorrent crime, meaning she will no longer have to relive her ordeal in court.”

TVP's assistant chief constable Dennis Murray said the force made a mandatory referral to the IOPC.

“The officer was suspended from duty which was absolutely right in the circumstances," he said.

“Misconduct proceedings could not be progressed while the criminal case was ongoing, however now that PC Lynch has been convicted, this will take place in due course.”