Adnan Ali

Adnan Ali, a former police constable with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), has been imprisoned for five years following his conviction on multiple charges of sexual assault and misconduct in a public office. The offences, which occurred between 2015 and 2018, involved young men and women participating in GMP’s Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme. Ali abused his position of authority to target these vulnerable cadets, leading to his arrest, dismissal from the force, and subsequent prosecution.

The case came to light in October 2018 when GMP received a complaint about Ali's inappropriate behaviour towards a 16-year-old boy. He was immediately arrested and suspended from duty. A criminal investigation, conducted by GMP and overseen by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), uncovered substantial evidence against him. Forensic analysis revealed Ali’s DNA in sexual bodily fluids found on a GMP office carpet in an area used by young apprentices and cadets. Ali was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault and 15 counts of misconduct in a public office at Manchester Crown Court.

Sentencing took place on 23 June 2023, where Ali, born on 31 July 1986, received a five-year custodial sentence. Prior to the criminal trial, a gross misconduct hearing in April 2022 resulted in his dismissal by Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who barred him from policing for life. The hearing was held privately to avoid prejudicing the ongoing criminal proceedings. Chief Constable Watson stated: “PC Ali engaged in sexual activity on police premises in an area that was periodically used by young apprentices and Cadets. This was a fundamental breach of the public’s trust in police officers and inevitably brings the profession into disrepute. Further, in doing so, PC Ali must have been aware that his actions were wholly inappropriate for a serving police officer.”

Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, Head of GMP’s Professional Standards Branch, emphasised the impact of Ali’s actions: “At a time when policing is subject to such intense scrutiny, particularly in relation to sexual misconduct and abuse of position, Ali’s behaviour will, understandably, damage trust and confidence in the force. However, the public should be reassured by the action GMP, the IOPC and the CPS have taken to secure his arrest, suspension, prosecution, and dismissal.” GMP is now pursuing a pension forfeiture certificate to ensure Ali does not benefit from his former role, with support from Deputy Mayor Kate Green, who described the case as “appalling and sickening” and commended the victims' bravery. Ali has been added to the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from ever serving in policing again.

The prosecution was handled by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), with GMP leading the investigation. This case highlights serious issues of abuse of power within law enforcement, underscoring the commitment of oversight bodies like the IOPC to hold officers accountable. Source: Greater Manchester Police official news release, published 23 June 2023.