A former Greater Manchester police officer, Paedophile Stephen Hardy, has been convicted of sexual offences against a minor who was just 12 years old when the abuse commenced.
Stephen Hardy, 45, a former detective from the Mottram region, entered a plea of not guilty to 20 allegations, which encompass rape, sexual assault, and inducing a child to participate in sexual behaviour, occurring between December 2012 and June 2020.
Stephen Hardy refuted any allegations of sexual contact with the youngster and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
After the four-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Hardy was convicted of all 20 charges.
The sentencing was scheduled for 11 September 2023.
Jo Palmiero, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Rape and Serious Sexual Abuse Unit, stated: “Stephen Hardy earned the child’s trust prior to inflicting abhorrent sexual abuse, exhibiting no consideration for the enduring harm his actions would inflict.”
“Hardy was a police officer, in a position of trust, who manipulated and controlled his victim.
“The CPS worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build the case and applied for the victim to give evidence over live link and for two witnesses to be screened from Hardy, so they all felt able to give their best evidence at trial.
“I would like to commend the victim for reporting the abuse and supporting the prosecution.”
Stephen Hardy (DoB 08/07/1977) is from Mottram, Tameside.
UPDATE
A GMP detective, Stephen Hardy, found guilty of 20 offences including rape and minor sexual assaults, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison as of Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
Detective Constable Stephen Hardy (08/07/77) was assigned to GMP’s Stockport district and was in custody following his conviction in July.
Stephen Hardy was convicted of multiple grave sexual offences while off duty at Liverpool Crown Court, following a courageous victim disclosure and a thorough investigation by DS Abigail Thomas and Tameside CID.
The 26 years comprises an additional six years under an extended licence. Due to Stephen Hardy’s classification as a dangerous offender, he will not be granted automatic release after serving two-thirds of his sentence. He has been handed a restraining order and will remain on the sex offender registry for life.
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