Disgraced West Midlands cop faces jail after having sex with vulnerable domestic abuse victim

A serving West Midlands Police officer was convicted today (14th Sept) of abusing his position after engaging in a sexual relationship with a domestic abuse victim during the course of his duties when the victim was in his care.

PC James Ankrett, 40, admitted a charge of corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers at Wolverhampton Crown Court today after he formed an inappropriate relationship with the woman in July 2017.

A police officer is facing jail today after admitting that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable domestic abuse victim who had been placed under his care. The court was told disgraced PC James Ankrett conducted the sexual relationship over an eight month period.

The 40-year-old police officer began the sexual relationship with the woman when she was assigned to him following an assault in 2017.

The court was told that PC Ankrett started a sexual relationship with the abused woman on July 17, 2017. The officer admitted the relationship ended on May 5, 2018.

PC Ankrett was charged in 2019 following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The force response officer was restricted from his duties and has been working in a non-public facing role since the allegation was made. He is now being suspended from duties.

Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: “The actions of PC Ankrett have undermined the very essence of our force’s core value of protecting the public and helping those in need.

“He used his position to conduct a wholly inappropriate relationship and has significantly damaged the reputation of the force.

“He will now face an internal disciplinary process.”

At Wolverhampton Crown Court today, Judge Recorder Christopher Millington QC outlined the type of sentence the defendant should expect for his crime: “He should expect to receive a sentence of imprisonment at the forthcoming hearing and needs to put his house in order, so to speak.”

The sentence for a crime of this nature is extremely serious. The maximum custodial sentence for misconduct in public office and improper exercise of police powers is life in prison.

James Ankrett was bailed and ordered to return to court for sentencing on October 18.