Detective guilty of raping child, 12, in eight years of ‘sickening’ abuse

Detective Stephen Hardy, 46, of Greater Manchester Police, subjected the victim to eight years of “sickening sexual abuse” and is due to be sentenced on September 11

A police detective has been found guilty of the rape on a 12-years-old child after subjecting the victim to years of “sickening sexual abuse”. Stephen Hardy, 46, who served Greater Manchester Police, carried out the crimes for almost a decade, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

A court heard how the constable ‘gained power and control’ and described the child’s virginity as ‘special’. Hardy was convicted of rape, sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity over eight years. Jurors were told how Hardy was arrested after the child contacted the police. In interviews, he denied the allegations but is now due to be sentenced on September 11.

Jo Palmiero, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West’s rape and serious sexual abuse unit said in court: “Stephen Hardy gained the trust of the child before subjecting them to sickening sexual abuse, with no thought for the lasting damage his abuse would cause.

“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.”