Stephen Hardy

Stephen Hardy, a 46-year-old detective constable with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for a series of 'sickening' sexual abuse offences against a child victim. The abuse, which included six counts of rape, began when the victim was just 12 years old and continued until 2020. Hardy, who worked in the Stockport area, was convicted following a four-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

The court heard that Hardy treated his victim 'like a puppet or sex object', exerting a controlling influence over them through a calculated course of grooming. Judge Robert Trevor-Jones described Hardy's behaviour as highly cynical and devious, noting his 'sinister streak' and complete lack of remorse. 'You have never shown one iota of remorse for your behaviour,' the judge stated during sentencing. He highlighted that Hardy, previously of good character and a long-serving police officer, was well aware of the profound trauma caused by sexual abuse yet proceeded without consideration for the victim's suffering, which the judge deemed an aggravating factor.

The offences spanned from December 2012 to June 2020, involving 20 counts of sexual abuse. Hardy denied all charges throughout the trial. Prosecuting barrister Vanessa Thomson informed the court that the victim reported the abuse to police in 2020, bravely overcoming a deep fear of authority figures instilled by the perpetrator. In a victim impact statement read aloud, the individual described the permanent damage to their mental health and ongoing fears for the future.

Defending barrister Laura Nash argued that Hardy continued to deny the offences and would find prison particularly challenging given his background as a police officer. The judge classified Hardy as a dangerous offender, imposing an extended licence period of six years following his custodial sentence. This ruling ensures close monitoring upon any potential release.

GMP suspended Hardy immediately after the allegations surfaced and confirmed that gross misconduct proceedings would follow the criminal conviction. Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, head of GMP's Professional Standards Branch, stated: 'Given Hardy contested the indictment he faced at the crown court, we were unable to proceed with hearing such matters within the regulated police disciplinary system. He was nevertheless suspended from GMP. Now that Hardy has been convicted, he will face disciplinary proceedings, and as the public would rightly expect, he will not be paid a wage by GMP during the time it takes for his case to be heard.'

The case underscores the betrayal of public trust by a serving officer, with Hardy's career now irrevocably ended. Sources: BBC News, Liverpool Crown Court proceedings, Greater Manchester Police statements.