A Merseyside Police officer, Adam Hoyle, scrutinised by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to claims of abusing his position for sexual purposes, has been found guilty of misconduct in public office (MIPO) and computer usage crimes.
PC Adam Hoyle, 39, acknowledged three accusations of MIPO at a prior hearing but contested two more counts of MIPO and three offences related to computer abuse. On September 15, he was convicted of MIPO offences and two charges of unauthorised access to computer material after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
The narrative encompasses three separate enquiries into claims that the officer, stationed at Lower Lane Police Station, engaged in improper interactions with vulnerable women encountered while his official responsibilities.
Subsequent to a referral in November 2019, we conducted an investigation by Merseyside Police over claims regarding PC Adam Hoyle’s interactions with women encountered throughout the performance of his responsibilities.
In January 2020, upon acquiring more evidence, we concluded that the issue necessitated an independent inquiry by the IOPC. Findings from our enquiries prompted an additional referral in October 2020, initiating a second investigation into his interactions with one of the women.
We discovered evidence of a pattern of unprofessional conduct directed at vulnerable women. Adam Hoyle established improper ties with three women whom he encountered after they claimed being victims of crime.
In two instances, PC Hoyle, while on duty and utilising a police car, engaged in sexual activity with them. In October 2016, he was expected to be searching for a high-risk missing individual at that time.
We also discovered evidence of his attempts to begin a sexual relationship with another woman.
Upon completion of the investigations in January 2021 and January 2022, we concluded that the cases warranted referral to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which subsequently authorised charges concerning PC Adam Hoyle’s interactions with three women.
Subsequent to media coverage of the charges, we received three more referrals of complaints, which included new allegations, between November 2022 and January 2023. An independent inquiry has commenced, examining PC Adam Hoyle’s interactions with three additional women and is now ongoing.
Evidence was discovered indicating an improper sexual relationship with one of these ladies, and in March 2023, PC Adam Hoyle made his initial court appearance to address an additional charge of MIPO. This was one of the charges examined during the trial this month.
After a five-day trial, PC Adam Hoyle was convicted of two charges of MIPO and two counts of unauthorised access to computer files. This was supplementary to the three accusations of MIPO he had previously acknowledged. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 27 October.
IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates stated: “There is unequivocally no tolerance in policing for officers who exploit their position for sexual motives.” PC Adam Hoyle’s reprehensible conduct constitutes a flagrant breach of the confidence bestowed upon officers by the public.
Our investigations revealed that he exploited his position to engage in sexual relationships with vulnerable people; in one instance, he visited a woman for sexual intercourse while he was ostensibly assisting in the search for a high-risk missing person.
“Our independent investigations have ensured his accountability for his actions, resulting in a criminal record.” Merseyside Police will organise disciplinary proceedings in due course.
Preliminary enquiries revealed that PC Adam Hoyle faces allegations of gross misconduct concerning his interactions with seven women encountered during the performance of his responsibilities. A third probe, initiated in November 2022, is still in progress.
Merseyside Police is tasked with organising a misconduct hearing in due time, during which evidence will be presented to an independently-chaired panel.
UPDATE
A Merseyside police officer, Adam Hoyle, assigned to Lower Lane police station in Liverpool, has received a four-year prison sentence after confessing to participating in inappropriate and unprofessional interactions with three women. These ladies originally reported abuse, seeking help and safety, only to become entangled in misbehaviour by the exact officer they approached for assistance. Adam Hoyle, 39 years old, became the focus of a significant investigation due to claims of misbehaviour that emerged during his tenure.
In September, Adam Hoyle was convicted of misconduct in public office, a charge that highlights the violation of trust and misuse of power characteristic of his activities. Before this conviction, he had already admitted guilt to three other charges concerning his improper behaviour.
The investigation found that Adam Hoyle abused his authority by utilising police vehicles to advance his personal relationships. In a notably concerning event, he was found to have participated in sexual activity with a woman while on duty, while being tasked with searching for a high-risk missing person at the time.
Subsequent to the allegations and ensuing conviction, Hoyle resigned from the police department. The incident led to an official examination by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which commenced following a referral from Merseyside Police to the oversight body in November 2019.
The IOPC’s investigation revealed more troubling details, including evidence that Adam Hoyle sought to begin a sexual relationship with another woman and visited a lady while on duty in October 2016. These actions not only contravened professional ethics but also significantly eroded public confidence in law enforcement.
Following sentencing, Merseyside Police said that Adam Hoyle was terminated from the force for gross misconduct. Furthermore, he was entered into the College of Policing Barred Register, so prohibiting his re-entry into the police service or any positions necessitating police accreditation.
A police spokeswoman characterised Adam Hoyle’s conduct as ‘reprehensible’ and ‘deplorable,’ underscoring the department’s steadfast dedication to upholding integrity and expelling any people who exploit their positions of trust. This case underscores the critical necessity of accountability in law enforcement agencies and the continuous endeavours to guarantee that individuals responsible for public safety maintain the highest standards of conduct.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.