Police Respond After Predatory Officer Who Sexually Assaulted Two Women Avoids Jail Sentence

A former Merseyside Police officer who drunkenly groped two women during a night out in Liverpool city centre has been spared jail. Paul Ledwith, 49, committed the sexual assaults on July 31 and August 1, 2020, while already under investigation at work for inappropriate behaviour.

Ledwith, from St Helens, had served 20 years in the force and was responsible for training new officers. After a trial at Manchester Crown Court, he was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault and appeared for sentencing on October 17. He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector Andy McCourt praised the victims for their courage in coming forward, despite the lengthy court process. He condemned Ledwith's "predatory sexual behaviour," saying the former officer had shown "callous disregard" for his victims by persistently touching and propositioning them, causing fear and distress.

McCourt added that Ledwith resigned from the force on May 23, 2021, before a gross misconduct hearing, which concluded he would have been dismissed had he still been serving. He is now barred from serving as a police officer in the future.

Merseyside Police stressed its commitment to identifying and removing officers who abuse their position, ensuring that offenders face serious consequences. McCourt reassured the public that rigorous measures, including vetting and disciplinary procedures, are in place to prevent such incidents.

He urged any victims of sexual offences to come forward, highlighting the support available from specialist officers and partner organisations. "We will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice," McCourt said.