Warwickshire Detective Receives Suspended Sentence for Inappropriate Conduct with Victim's Mother
A detective from Warwickshire Police has been handed a suspended prison sentence after pursuing an inappropriate relationship with the mother of a child victim he was assigned to protect. DC John Littlewood, who worked in the force's Child Abuse, Trafficking & Exploitation team, warned the vulnerable woman to delete their text messages, stating they would "get him in trouble at work."
Details of the Inappropriate Relationship and Investigation
The 52-year-old officer, who has since retired, met the woman, referred to as Female X, in October 2021 while investigating a report of a sexual assault against her daughter. Between May and September 2023, investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found he exchanged over 300 messages with her, many of a sexualised nature.
One particularly incriminating message from Littlewood read: "If you are careless with my messages and don't delete them you could really drop me in it at work." The investigation revealed he met her at a Coventry hotel in the early hours of October 1, 2023, for approximately 50 minutes, and made frequent visits to her home.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Littlewood appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on January 30, where he was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 15 months. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community work. He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of improper exercise of police powers and privileges by a constable, contrary to Section 26 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.
The IOPC's investigation, which began in December 2023 following a referral from Warwickshire Police, involved CCTV enquiries and cell site mapping of his phone. Suspicious were initially raised by a support worker who noticed his frequent visits to the woman's home, leading to concerns being reported to Warwickshire Police's Professional Standards Department.
Official Statements on the Case
IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell stated: "Female X is a vulnerable woman who has clearly been manipulated by DC Littlewood. He met her while on duty and used that contact to start up a friendship which led to inappropriate contact including sexualised messages. The officer clearly knew his behaviour was improper as he told her to delete messages, some of which were sent while on duty."
Campbell added that Littlewood had completed an integrity health check on September 18, 2023, confirming he understood the Code of Ethics and Professional Boundaries, yet continued to exchange hundreds of messages, many of which he deleted.
Superintendent Paul Thompson, head of professional standards at Warwickshire Police, commented: "As police officers we are expected to uphold the law and protect vulnerable victims, not exploit them in this way. Littlewood's behaviour fell way below the standards we expect and we welcome this outcome."
Additional Charges and Future Proceedings
Littlewood denied a second charge relating to another woman, which will lie on file. He will now face an accelerated gross misconduct hearing for breaching police professional standards. The IOPC's investigation concluded in December 2024 when evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised the charges.
This case highlights serious breaches of trust within law enforcement, particularly concerning officers who exploit their positions with vulnerable individuals they are meant to protect.
