GMP constable banned from policing for life after officers are called to 'altercation'

Lucy Hartley has been banned from policing for life

A Greater Manchester Police officer was convicted of criminal damage after a New Year's Eve 'altercation'.

Lucy Hartley also tested positive for cocaine while in custody at a police station for the offence, a GMP misconduct hearing was told.

The force's top cop, Chief Constable Stephen Watson, said in a now-published ruling he was 'presented with incontrovertible evidence of the illicit use of cocaine'.

"Her actions, whilst in part emerging as a consequence of significant intoxication, were by definition deliberate, knowing and reckless," he said.

"Ms Hartley's offending behaviour was clearly unlawful, contrary to the clearest of instructions and, in the case of her obtaining and using cocaine, must necessarily have involved a casual and corrupting association with a person or persons actively engaged in criminality.

"What is clear to me is that this episode reflects behaviours which are simply incompatible with the responsibilities inherent in the office of constable."

Hartley resigned from the force on June 8. Chief Constable Watson ruled she would have been sacked had she not already quit. The ex-officer's name will now be added to the College of Policing's 'Barred List', preventing her from serving as a cop again.

Chief Constable Watson said he found gross misconduct to be proven in the case.

At Bradford magistrates court on December 17, 2024, Hartley pleaded guilty to criminal damage. She was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £150, together with a victim surcharge of £26.

"The offence in question had occurred within a domestic dwelling following an altercation which had occurred on 31st December, 2023," read the published ruling.

Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE

"In addition, and whilst in custody on 31st December 2023 at Trafalgar House Police Station in West Yorkshire, Ms Hartley was subject to a drugs test which subsequently revealed a positive result for the presence of cocaine in her body.

"When asked at the time whether she accepted that the results of the screening test were an accurate reflection of the fact that cocaine appeared to be present in her body, she replied 'yes'."

Chief Constable Watson said: "As a serving and experienced police officer, she would have been aware throughout that her behaviour was unlawful, unwise and in conflict with all that is required of a well conducted constable.

"Not only has the former officer committed a criminal offence relating to damage, but she has taken steps to obtain the supply of cocaine from an illegal source.

"A police officer is expected to target active criminals, not to consort with them.

"I consider that the level of seriousness in this case is very high. Ms Hartley's offending behaviour was clearly unlawful, contrary to the clearest of instructions and, in the case of her obtaining and using cocaine, must necessarily have involved a casual and corrupting association with a person or persons actively engaged in criminality."

No further details were revealed.

---

For the latest stories and breaking news visit manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here.

You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest.Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here.If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.