Neil Wilby Media

A Greater Manchester Police detective has been convicted of twenty offences, including multiple rapes and child sexual offences. A four week trial concluded at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (28th July 2023).

Detective Constable Stephen Hardy, 46, from the Mottram area of Tameside, had been posted within GMP’s Stockport Division prior to his suspension from duty.

Officers began investigating DC Hardy in June, 2020 following a brave disclosure about his sexually abusive behaviour. An investigation was launched and GMP officers were able to gather evidence which resulted in him being charged with several offences in July, 2022, which dated back to December, 2012. The force says the offences, which included the rape of a 12 year old child, were committed whilst the detective was off-duty.

Hardy had denied throughout that there had been any sexual contact between him and the child and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Detective Sergeant Abigail Thomas of GMP’s Major Incident Team, who led the investigation into the suspect said: “Stephen Hardy has been exposed as a manipulative individual who committed abhorrent offences over a significant period of time. His behaviour and actions go against everything we stand for within policing.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the Force’s top priorities, and anyone found within the organisation to be abusing their position to harm others can expect to face the consequences.

“I hope this investigation and sentencing reassures the public that we do treat allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will not shy away from pursuing criminal charges against officers if they are deemed to have acted unlawfully.

“I commend those who have assisted with our investigation and would like to encourage anyone else who has either been a victim, or who has witnessed or is aware of sexual abuse or criminal activity taking place to come forward and speak to us so we can take action.”

Jo Palmiero, Senior Crown Prosecutor in the North West’s rape and serious sexual abuse unit, told the court that Hardy was in a position of trust and manipulated his victim.

She said: ‘Stephen Hardy gained the trust of the child before subjecting them to sickening sexual abuse, with no thought for the lasting damage his abuse would cause.

“The CPS worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build the case and applied for the victim to give evidence over live link and for two witnesses to be screened from Hardy, so they all felt able to give their best evidence at trial.

Adding: “I would like to commend the victim for reporting the abuse and supporting the prosecution.”

Head of GMP’s Professional Standards Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, said: “Given Hardy contested the indictment he faced at the Crown Court, we were unable to proceed with hearing such matters within the regulated police disciplinary system. He was nevertheless suspended from GMP.

“Now that Hardy has been convicted, he will face disciplinary proceedings, and as the public would rightly expect, he will not be paid a wage by GMP during time it takes for his case to be heard.”

Hardy has been remanded in custody and sentencing is due to take place on 11th September, 2023.

Following the conclusion of this case criminally, misconduct proceedings will take place.

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Page last updated: Saturday 22nd July, 2023 at 09h50

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Picture credit: GMP

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