Overview
- Jurors found former detective constable John Hamilton guilty of misconduct in public office following an IOPC-led investigation.
- Phone analysis showed 268 texts with the girl between 10 and 23 September 2021, many sent late at night, plus three late-night voice messages with slurred speech.
- Hamilton made repeated unannounced visits to the girl’s school, told staff to leave during one meeting, and asked in a message to take her for a drive.
- The case began after the school raised concerns to Northumbria Police on 23 September 2021, prompting the IOPC probe.
- Hamilton, a safeguarding officer with over 24 years’ service, was suspended and retired during the investigation; the IOPC referred the case to the CPS in February 2023, he was charged in August 2024, and gross misconduct proceedings are being pursued.