GMP detective has been convicted of 20 offences including rapes and child sexual offences

A Greater Manchester Police detective has been convicted of 20 offences, including multiple rapes and child sexual offences. The trial has taken place at Liverpool Crown Court today (28 July 2023).

Stephen Hardy, (dob 08/07/77), who is a detective constable had been posted within GMP’s Stockport Division. He is currently suspended from duty.

Officers began investigating DC Hardy in June 2020 following a brave disclosure about his sexually abusive behaviour. An investigation was launched and GMP officers were able to gather evidence which resulted in him being charged with several offences in 2022. The offences were committed whilst he was off-duty.

Detective Sergeant Abigail Thomas of the Major Incident Team, who led the investigation into Hardy has said: “Stephen Hardy has been exposed as a manipulative individual who committed abhorrent offences over a significant period of time. His behaviour and actions go against everything we stand for within policing.

"Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the Force’s top priorities, and anyone found within the organisation to be abusing their position to harm others can expect to face the consequences.

"I hope this investigation and sentencing reassures the public that we do treat allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will not shy away from pursuing criminal charges against officers if they are deemed to have acted unlawfully.

"I commend those who have assisted with our investigation and would like to encourage anyone else who has either been a victim, or who has witnessed or is aware of sexual abuse or criminal activity taking place to come forward and speak to us so we can take action.”

Head of GMP’s Professional Standards Branch Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen said: “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 in connection with those matters, and as the public would rightly expect, in the time it takes to conclude these proceedings he will not now be paid by GMP.”

Hardy has been remanded in custody and sentencing is due to take place on 13 September 2023.