A police officer who sent a vulnerable woman inappropriate messages has been sacked after trying to start a sexual relationship with her.

PC Callum McLennan was dismissed with immediate effect following an investigation by a police watchdog.

The Northumbria Police officer was sacked for gross misconduct after a disciplinary hearing found the officer to have abused his position for a sexual purpose after attempting to pursue a relationship with a woman who reported a crime.

After attending a report of a domestic violence incident, PC McLennan sent personal and unprofessional messages to the woman between February 4 and 27 February last year.

The messages sent by him included leading, personal statements with him using kisses and discussed his own private life and relationship status. PC McLennan also appears to have encouraged the woman to contact him on Facebook.

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Th panel heard how he initially used text messages as a way to update the woman on the outcome of the incident he had attended.

During interview PC McLennan admitted after meeting her in a professional capacity, he had attempted to develop a relationship with her through text messages.

As part of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation, the former officer's mobile phones were analysed and investigators obtained statements from other police officers who attended the initial incident, as well as the officer’s line manager.

PC McLennan was interviewed under caution during which he admitted contacting the woman with a view to developing a personal relationship with her.

The IOPC started an independent investigation in April 2021 after receiving a conduct referral from the force and concluded, in October 2021, that PC McLennan should face gross misconduct proceedings.

IOPC Regional Director Thea Walton said: “Police officers are held to high standards when it comes to their interactions with members of the public and they are expected to conduct themselves professionally. When police officers or staff abuse their position for a sexual purpose this is serious corruption – and it has absolutely no place in policing.

“PC McLennan’s actions were unacceptable and this case is yet another example of how our work is helping tackle the problem. But, ultimately, we need all police forces to act to root out this kind of behaviour and this will require a zero tolerance approach backed up by decisive and consistent action from those in charge.

“We are always incredibly grateful to the brave people who speak out about the inappropriate behaviour they have experienced or witnessed. We want people to feel empowered to speak up if they believe an officer has acted inappropriately. You are not alone; you will be listened to; and your experiences will be taken seriously.”

Superintendent Steve Ammari, Head of the Professional Standards Department at Northumbria Police, added: “When we became aware of concerns relating to this individual we referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who carried out an investigation.

“At an independently-chaired misconduct hearing the officer was dismissed without notice. Callum McLennan abused his privileged position and his actions were completely unacceptable.

“His behaviour is in no way representative of the officers, staff and volunteers who continually display the highest levels of professionalism.

“We have always been clear that we expect these standards to be maintained at all times.

“If anyone is found to have fallen below these we are committed to taking appropriate action.”

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