I'm a scapegoat: Pc sacked for 'inappropriate relationship' with elderly man

Constable Clare Stretton defended her relationship with Charles Foulkes, describing him as a "father figure."

The officer was sacked from her post with West Mercia Police following complaints from Mr Foulkes' three daughters over their relationship.

The retired painter and decorator met Miss Stretton when she was assigned as his family's police liaison officer after his son Colin, 49, was killed by schizophrenic lodger John Latus, then 31, in 2001.

Miss Stretton who lives in Leegomery, Telford, gave an interview to a national newspaper in which she insisted their relationship was innocent.

She said: "He was a mentor and a father figure to me. I helped him, and he helped me.

"There was no sexual relationship. There was nothing romantic. The only thing I did inappropriately was to have contact with him when I shouldn't have, but I did it as a friend and as a human being.

"I was cleared of any criminal activities, but the force wanted a scapegoat – and I'm it. I supported Charlie, he felt very responsible for his son's death and he felt a lot of guilt."

The family lodged papers at the high court last year which alleged Mr Foulkes took Constable Stretton on trips and gave her gifts and money.

Constable Stretton, who was based at Malinsgate Police Station, was dismissed for gross misconduct after a two-day hearing at West Mercia Police's headquarters in Hindlip, near Worcester.

Three charges against her on breaching standards of professional behaviour on honesty and integrity – including taking £15,000 from Mr Foulkes – were found proved.

West Mercia Police initially said there was no misconduct case for the officer to answer, but the Independent Police Complaints Commission said she should answer a gross misconduct hearing after an appeal by Mr Foulkes' three daughters.

They said they complained to West Mercia Police in 2002, 2006 and 2007 – and that the force should pay damages for its failure to act. The case was settled in their favour.

Eldest daughter Michele Pugh, of Craven Arms, previously told the Shropshire Star: "We know she persuaded and encouraged our father to spend large amounts of money on her.

"We complained five months after she showed up and she was taken off the case. But she continued to see our father.

"It should have ended a long time ago when she was instructed by senior officers to stop, but she persisted and we wanted closure.

"The findings of the hearing have absolutely delighted us. It's a weight off our shoulders."

In the interview, Constable Stretton also claimed she had supported Mr Foulkes at his son's funeral and said they had "a lot in common," both enjoying walks and browsing antique shops.

She said: "In hindsight it probably made things worse, keeping it a secret, but Charlie was trying to protect me and my job.

"I don't regret my friendship with Charlie – I'd do the same thing again, he needed help and I was there for him, that's just me."