Crime

UK Police Officer Resigns Amidst Conviction for Violent Rampage and Criminal Damage

Published

11 months ago

January 21, 2024

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A police officer, Kia Pulford Stone, chose to resign before facing potential dismissal following her conviction for a violent rampage and car damage in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The incidents occurred on March 14 and 16 last year, with the second involving Pulford Stone damaging a Vauxhall Adam car belonging to the same woman she had assaulted earlier.

The incidents transpired on March 14 and 16 of the previous year, the latter involving Pulford Stone damaging a Vauxhall Adam car registered to the same individual she had assaulted in the prior incident.

This stops her from working in any policing role in the UK.

A Merseyside Police officer resigned before she could be sacked after being convicted of assault by beating and criminal damage. Former PC Kia Pulford Stone was charged after two separate incidents which took place in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on March 4 and March 16 last year. Caption: Former Merseyside Police officer Kia Pulford Stone, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, who resigned from the force after pleading guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage — Chief Cons Serena Kennedy concluded Pulford Stone pictured would have been sacked for gross misconduct had she remained on the force Picture Liverpool Echo

While still actively serving as an officer, Pulford Stone entered a guilty plea to charges of assault by beating and criminal damage during proceedings at Manchester Magistrates’ Court in October. Subsequently, an expedited misconduct hearing convened by Merseyside Police’s Professional Standards Department earlier this month resulted in Chief Constable Serena Kennedy determining that she would have faced dismissal for gross misconduct if Pulford Stone remained in the force.

Due to this decision, Pulford Stone’s name is now slated for inclusion in the College of Policing Barred List, effectively barring her from engaging in any policing role within the UK. Chief Constable Kennedy underscored the weight of the evidence and Pulford Stone’s admission of guilt in an official decision notice, citing a breach of professional behaviour standards, specifically discreditable conduct.

Detective Superintendent Cheryl Rhodes, representing Merseyside’s Professional Standards Department, emphasized the importance of public trust in law enforcement. Rhodes expressed the commitment of Merseyside Police to upholding high expectations for officers and staff, pledging robust action when standards are not met. She further highlighted a zero-tolerance stance toward assault or criminal damage, with a firm dedication to preserving the reputable standing established by most diligent officers and staff.

The focus remains on preventing the actions of a few individuals from tarnishing the commendable work conducted by the police force, ensuring continued protection for all communities.