Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “This situation is shocking. I note that the Chief Constable has taken corporate responsibility and rightly made a full apology on behalf of the Force – but that does not make the Court’s judgement any less serious.
“I know this matter will have an impact on public confidence at a time when we are working hard to rebuild trust in Northamptonshire Police. The impact on the victim is also clear to me.
“Ahead of the sanction hearing at the Court of Appeal next week, I have made a voluntary referral of the matter to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.
“I have written to the Force and asked them to make a rapid assessment of the actions of the other officers and staff involved in this case, to decide whether any other matters should be referred to the IOPC.
“I have also asked for a full report on how this was allowed to happen, and I expect clear assurance that it cannot happen again.
“I won’t comment further at this stage until I hear back from the IOPC, and until the Court has decided on any sanction.”
