Former Staffordshire police officer admits abusing powers after contact with vulnerable witness

A former Staffordshire police officer has admitted improperly using his police powers after making contact with a vulnerable witness he met through his duties.

Howard Bradley, 27, from Doveridge in Derbyshire, pleaded guilty to corrupt or improper exercise of police powers and privileges by a constable at Stoke-on-Trent Court on Tuesday, September 1.

Bradley was a police officer based at Burton Police Station when the offending took place.

The case followed an investigation by Staffordshire Police's Anti-Corruption Unit. Bradley was arrested in March 2024 and was immediately suspended from duty.

According to Staffordshire Police, the offence relates to contact Bradley made with a vulnerable witness he had met during the course of his police duties.

The force has described his actions as completely unacceptable.

Deputy Chief Constable Caroline Marsh said Bradley had "abused the powers and privileges entrusted to him as a police officer" and had exploited a vulnerable person he encountered through his work.

She said the behaviour fell "far below" the standards of integrity and professionalism expected from police officers.

Staffordshire Police said its Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation as soon as concerns were raised, with Bradley subsequently suspended.

His guilty plea means the case will now proceed to sentencing.

Bradley is due to be sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on November 5.

The case highlights the scrutiny faced by serving police officers when concerns are raised about the use of their position and access to vulnerable people encountered through their work.

Staffordshire Police said Bradley's guilty plea reflects the seriousness of the offending and the evidence presented against him.

The former officer remains suspended from the force following his arrest in 2024.