Table of Contents
A Wirral police officer has been convicted of three offences of misconduct in a public office and two Data Protection Act offences, as reported by Birkenhead News. He was suspended before court proceedings.
Police Constable Carl Edwards was accused of making sexual advances towards two sex workers. He was also accused of similar behaviour with a vulnerable 17-year-old girl who had recently been found after being reported missing in 2023, reports state.
The Data Protection Act offences concern allegations that he knowingly unlawfully obtained personal data from a briefing document about organised crime gangs and personal data from a police log without consent during October 2022.
The 35-year-old, from the Wirral, was arrested in December 2023 and immediately suspended from his duties. Following an investigation by Merseyside Police's Anti-Corruption Unit under the direction of the IOPC's Anti-Corruption Unit, a file of evidence was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, who permitted the charges in February 2025.
A jury reached a guilty verdict on July 30 at Chester Crown Court, and Edwards was remanded to appear for sentencing on 5 October.
Detective Chief Superintendent Kaur said in a statement: "In abusing his position of trust with victims of crimes in pursuit of his own gratification, Edwards' behaviour was nothing short of abhorrent.
"It is right that he was suspended as soon as this offending was suspected, in order to protect others from the potential risk he posed, and it is right that he has now been convicted by a jury in court."
She added: "Our Anti-Corruption Unit and Professional Standards Department carried out an extensive investigation into his behaviour, and it is thanks to the evidence they collected that he is today facing the consequences of his appalling actions.
Det Chief Supt Kaur said the force has introduced Call It Out and the Crimestoppers Internal Integrity Line, an internal campaign to encourage colleagues to challenge behaviour that does not align with police principles.
She added: "Our commitment, alongside partners including local authorities, support agencies and the third sector, to protect women and girls who are faced with violence, sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviour remains strong."
"Only by taking positive action by our relentless pursuit of perpetrators, support of victims and the establishment of safer spaces will we instil confidence in the people we serve.
"I hope that people will take some reassurance from the fact that this officer was identified, suspended and ultimately held accountable for his actions," she concluded.
People can use the Crimestoppers Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service on 0800 085 0000 to report corruption and abuse by police officers, staff and volunteers anonymously or confidentially.
