Who is Liam Smith? Former West Mercia Police Officer Found Guilty

Liam Smith, a former police officer from West Mercia Police, was found guilty of sexual assault and gross misconduct. The decision was announced following a misconduct hearing held recently.

Smith, 31, worked in Shrewsbury and committed the offence in September 2022 while off-duty. Last year, he was sentenced in court for sexually assaulting a woman by touching her over her clothes without consent.

Details of the Case and Sentence

In July 2024, Smith received a nine-month community order. The court also gave him a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 140 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £2000 in legal costs and a victim surcharge of £114.

Smith resigned from the police force on December 3, 2023, after being suspended when the allegations first came to light. The misconduct panel confirmed that if Smith had not resigned, he would have been dismissed.

Misconduct Panel Statement

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Jones spoke about the case, calling Smith’s actions “abhorrent.” She added that Smith’s conduct was a serious breach of professional standards. She said officers like Smith have no place in policing.

Jones praised the courage of the victim who reported the assault. She said this case shows the police take crimes by officers very seriously.

Future Implications for Liam Smith

Smith will now be placed on the College of Policing Barred List. This means he cannot work in any UK police force again.

West Mercia Police said the hearing’s result could be appealed through the usual legal process.

Liam Smith’s case highlights the commitment of UK police to uphold high standards of behaviour. Sexual assault by serving officers is treated with the utmost seriousness. This case also underlines the importance of victims coming forward to report such crimes.