Ex-policewoman from Telford faces jail for ignoring crimes

Clare Stretton, a former West Mercia Police constable, was sacked by the force after the daughters of pensioner Charles Foulkes complained about their relationship.

Now the 49-year-old, from Leegomery, has admitted misconduct in public office after failing to pursue crimes reported to her over a seven-year period.

Nick Turner, the solicitor for the Foulkes family, said the crimes came to light when her property was raided by officers looking for family heirlooms the daughters of Charles Foulkes believed had been gifted to her.

Among the reports it is claimed she ignored was a statement from a vulnerable 13-year-old teenager who had been abused, reports of historical sexual abuse, fraud and domestic violence.

It is claimed the offences were reported to her during her time as a family liaison officer with the force.

Mr Turner said: "These other cases only came to light as a result of Charles' daughters doggedly doing their best to expose the appalling breach of trust Stretton was responsible for."

She admitted misconduct when she appeared at Worcester Crown Court and will be sentenced at a later date, likely to be this month.

Stretton was accused of taking up to £100,000 from Mr Foulkes over 10 years. Records showed he paid up to £15,000 directly into her bank account.

He met Stretton when he was 82 and 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.

Mr Foulkes, from Church Stretton, inherited Colin's £180,000 estate. But he became infatuated with Stretton, then 37, who his family said flaunted herself to the retired painter in low-cut tops and miniskirts.

Michele Pugh, 67, Charmaine Jones, 57, and Carla Kelly, 51, lodged papers at the high court in 2014 which alleged Mr Foulkes took Stretton on trips and gave her gifts and money.

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.

Mr Foulkes died in 2011 at the age of 92.

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.

In an interview after the case was heard, 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: "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.

"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."