Former Police Officer Imprisoned for Misconduct with Suspect

Nicholas Peacock, a 40-year-old former officer with West Mercia Police, has received an 18-month prison sentence for misconduct in public office. This conviction stems from his involvement in a sexual relationship with a suspect in an assault case he was assigned to investigate. Peacock neglected to conduct a thorough investigation of the case and made false assertions that no witnesses existed and that the victim did not wish to pursue a prosecution. Acting Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Jones commented that Peacock’s conduct was “totally unacceptable” and stated it would “not be tolerated within our force.” Peacock, previously stationed in Market Drayton, was suspended in April 2022 when the allegations emerged. Although he resigned from the force in March this year, he is still subject to misconduct proceedings. His initial sentence of 27 months was reduced to 18 months due to his guilty plea. Ms Jones further stated, “The dishonesty and lack of integrity shown by Nicholas Peacock is deplorable.” She added, “He abused his power as a police officer, and in the process totally undermined the trust which the victim had placed in him to investigate the case fairly and impartially.” West Mercia Police confirmed that the case Peacock had failed to investigate has since been re-opened, leading to a suspect being charged.