IPCC investigation resumes as former West Midlands PC jailed

Monday 07 Nov 2016 @ 07:10
Independent Police Complaints Commission

The IPCC has resumed its investigation into West Midlands Police’s handling of allegations against former officer Allan Richards, who was jailed last Friday for 22 years for sexual offences.

The IPCC determined an independent investigation should take place following a referral from the force in May 2015, which concerned its handling of allegations made against the officer between 2000 and 2008.

The IPCC suspended its inquiries to avoid potentially prejudicing the criminal proceedings but has now resumed the investigation.

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “It is deeply disturbing that Richards abused his position of trust and authority over many years in order to take advantage of vulnerable young boys for his own sexual gratification.

“Richards’ victims will not be alone in wanting to know if West Midlands Police could have done more between 2000 and 2008 to bring him to justice.

“Our independent investigation will examine whether more could have been done by the force to uncover his activities sooner and if there are any lessons that can be learned from this.”

Richards, aged 54, appeared before Birmingham Crown Court for sentencing after being convicted of a total of 40 offences against boys including rape, misconduct in a public office, sexual activity with a child, indecent assault, gross indecency and voyeurism committed between 1976 and 2014. He was found guilty by different juries at two trials, the most recent of which concluded on October 21.

Richards retired as a police constable from the West Midlands force in 2011.

Channel website: https://policeconduct.gov.uk/

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