A former West Mercia police officer has today, (Friday 20 January), been jailed for police corruption and perverting the course of justice.
Rhett Wilson, 27, who was previously based in Shropshire, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on 8 December where he was found guilty to one count of perverting the course of justice. He had previously pleaded guilty to three police corruption offences and resigned from West Mercia Police in July 2020.
The charges related to an internal investigation by West Mercia Police’s Professional Standards Department, following information that Wilson was abusing his position for sexual gain. The offences took place from December 2019 – March 2020.
Earlier today, he was given a 34 month custodial sentence.
Deputy Chief Constable Alex Murray said: “Rhett Wilson abused his position as a police officer to start relationships and it is likely his victims did not even know what he was doing was wrong. The public need to have confidence police officers will act with the utmost integrity and not abuse their powers. Wilson’s actions could seriously undermine that confidence and his exploitive behaviour will not be tolerated in West Mercia Police.”
The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Internal misconduct proceedings will now take place.
