A FORMER West Mercia Police officer who "engaged in a sexual relationship" with a suspect has been sent to prison for 18 months.

Nicholas Peacock, 40, who was a PC based in Market Drayton, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Tuesday (December 10) for misconduct in public office, which he pleaded guilty to in October.

Peak engaged in a sexual relationship with a suspect in an assault case he had been investigating.

He did not fully investigate the crime, closed the case and cited a lack of witnesses and the victim not supporting a prosecution as reasons why, both of which were untrue.

Temporary deputy chief constable Rachel Jones said: "The dishonesty and lack of integrity shown by Nicholas Peacock is deplorable.

"He abused his power as a police officer and totally undermined the trust which the victim had placed in him to investigate the case fairly and impartially."

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Allegations of Peacock's actions first came to light on April 22 2022, which saw him immediately suspended from his role and the case referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

A review of data from Peacock's work phone suggested that he had taken part in sexual activity with the suspect on March 4 2022, with further meetings planned for the future.

Derrick Campbell, IOPC regional director, said: "Police officers are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times and are rightly held to certain standards.

"Part of an officer's role is to protect members of the public who are in vulnerable situations.

"This was a clear case of abuse of power by Peacock for his own gratification."

Once the IOPC completed its investigation in November 2022, evidence was handed to the Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised the charge.

The case he failed to investigate was also reopened, with a suspect charged.

Deputy chief constable Jones added: "I'm pleased that his offences were identified so quickly and that he was immediately suspended.

"His actions were totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated within our force."

Peacock was initially handed a 27 month sentence, however, this was reduced to 18 months based due to his guilty plea.

Now that criminal proceedings have concluded, Peacock will now face misconduct proceedings, despite resigning from the police force in March.