Former police officer jailed for “predatory behaviour”, corruption and sexual assault

A former West Midlands Police officer has been jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to improper use of police powers.

Emerson Estridge, 45, has been locked up following charges of corruption, sexual assault and “predatory behaviour”.

Estridge, from Highland Road in Leamington Spa, admitted four counts of corruption while he was working for West Midlands Police, at a court hearing on 4 December last year.

The ex-cop resigned from the force in June 2019 after the allegations came to light, and a hearing held on 2 July 2019 found that he would have been dismissed had he not resigned.

Having served as a response constable in Solihull, he moved to the force’s operational support unit shortly before he was arrested for misconduct in a public office in March last year.

West Midlands Police revealed Estridge had preyed on victims of crime he met while on duty, to develop personal and sexual relationships, admitting sending flirtatious texts and photos and having sex on one occasion, while on duty.

The disgraced officer was originally charged with six counts of improper use of his police powers and privileges and one count of sexual assault. He was sentenced to 18 months jail at Birmingham Crown Court.

Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: “Estridge took advantage of his position as a member of West Midlands Police to pursue improper relationships for sexual and emotional gain. This was completely unacceptable and a clear breach of the standards of professional behaviour.

“A proactive investigation by our Counter Corruption Unit identified the gravity of offending and led to Estridge pleading guilty.

“It is disappointing we’ve recently seen two ex-colleagues convicted after developing inappropriate relationships with people they’ve met while at work. There is no place for this type of behaviour in our organisation.

“Estridge abused his position, his actions were appalling and my thoughts are with the people affected by them.

“Serving and protecting the public is paramount and it is vital that our communities have the utmost trust and confidence in everything that we do.”