Police officer jailed over inappropriate relationship with vulnerable woman

18 October 2021, 23:29 | Updated: 18 October 2021, 23:31

Former police officer James Ankrett has been jailed for five months
Former police officer James Ankrett has been jailed for five months. Picture: West Midlands Police

By Patrick Grafton-Green

A former police officer has been jailed after pursuing an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman he met during his duties.

James Ankrett, 40, was sentenced to five months in prison at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday.

He admitted improper exercise of police powers and privileges at the same court last month.

Ankrett had been charged following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

In a statement issued after the ex-West Midlands Police officer was sentenced, the IOPC said he became involved with a woman after attending an incident at her home in the summer of 2017.

The watchdog said evidence gathered during its investigation indicated he had subsequently sent the woman inappropriate messages and pictures of himself undressed whilst on and off duty.

IOPC regional director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, said: "Cases where officers abuse their position for sexual purposes are among the most serious examples of corruption that we investigate.

"The public has a right to expect police officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and that those who fail to do so will be investigated and dealt with robustly."

Mr Campbell added: "Police are taught to maintain professional boundaries between themselves and members of the public, who are often in vulnerable situations when they come into contact with officers.

"PC Ankrett now has a criminal conviction to his name and has paid a heavy price for stepping over that boundary.

"We would like to reiterate to police officers and staff, current or former, that we have a whistleblowing line for police officers and staff to report concerns of wrongdoing where they believe a criminal offence has been committed, or evidence of conduct that would justify disciplinary proceedings."

Ankrett was dismissed last week at an accelerated misconduct hearing, having been suspended from duty after pleading guilty.

The former force response officer was previously restricted from duties and worked in a non-public facing role.

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Sir David Thompson, who chaired the disciplinary hearing, said: "Officers like this have no place in West Midlands Police.

"They are an abhorrence to the men and women who make up this organisation who go out day in day out to protect the most vulnerable."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Mohamed Al-Fayed's brother has denied sexual assault allegations brought forward by three former Harrods employees.

Mohamed Al Fayed's brother 'unequivocally' denies sexual assault allegations by three former Harrods employees

Kanye West, left, and Bianca Censori arrive at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kanye West declares he’s a ‘Nazi,’ ‘loves Hitler’ and that he has ‘dominion’ over Bianca Censori in vile rant

Andrew Searles was a financial crime investigator.

British couple found dead in French villa named - with financial crime investigator feared 'murdered'

TV chef Gino D'Acampo’s ITV shows have been pulled from schedules

Gino D’Acampo TV shows pulled from schedules amid investigation into ‘sexually inappropriate’ comments

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner as Labour has been accused of adding unnecessary costs on consumers

Fears more costs will pass to consumers as yet more taxes from Labour announced

A second woman, suspected of using wigs to disguise herself to sit the British citizenship test for other people, has been arrested.

Second woman arrested after wearing wigs to 'fake UK citizenship tests' as immigration officers find disguises and designer bags in raid

Charlie Roberts (l) was in the care of his mum's partner Christopher Stockton (r) when he suffered the fatal injury

Stepdad who shook baby to death then tried to blame biscuit jailed for life

Grenfell Tower to be demolished, government confirms

Grenfell Tower will be demolished, government confirms

Jockey Michael O'Sullivan is in intensive care after a fall at Thurles in Ireland

Cheltenham-festival winning jockey in intensive care after falling from horse

At least two dead after the plane crashed in Sao Paulo

Plane crash claims at least two lives as light aircraft smashes into a bus in Sao Paulo

Exclusive
Donald Trump's estranged nephew has told LBC that he expects the President will try for a third term in the White House.

'Constitution be damned': Donald Trump will run for President again, his nephew tells LBC

Football Manager 25 has been cancelled after being hit by delays

Football Manager 25 cancelled after several delays

PM holds 'crisis summit' after Bank of England warning over 'Stagflation'

PM holds 'crisis summit' after Bank of England warning over 'Stagflation' - and fears grow over further tax hikes

As Winter starts to give way to Spring, Brits can look forward to warmer temperatures, more sunshine and longer nights.

The exact date and time clocks change in March 2025 and what is British Summer Time?

Travel chaos after car crashes on to Manchester-Liverpool rail line

Travel chaos after car crashes onto the Liverpool-Manchester rail line

The way Lego bricks stick together promotes heterosexual norms, according to the Science Museum tour

Lego is anti-LGBT and only promotes two genders, Science Museum tour states