A top cop has welcomed the sentence of a former officer who groped two colleagues while on a boozy Christmas night out.

Lee Morgan was sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years, after admitting the offences during a night out last December.

The 46-year-old former control room inspector at Cleveland Police had previously claimed he had no recollection of the events of the evening after an investigation was launched following a complaint about his sexually inappropriate behaviour.

However, he admitted his behaviour and subsequently quit the force in disgrace.

Read more: Boozy ex-copper groped two colleagues while wearing Christmas jumper

The offences took place on December 15, 2021, when Morgan admitted he intentionally touched a female aged 16 or over and that touching was sexual when she did not consent and you did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The Northern Echo: Ex-cop Lee Morgan arriving at Newcastle Crown CourtEx-cop Lee Morgan arriving at Newcastle Crown Court (Image: PA)

The ex-officer declined to attend a disciplinary hearing in November where he was found guilty of gross misconduct following his admissions of guilt in court.

Assistant Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: “Cleveland Police welcomes today’s outcome. We hope it reassures our communities and our officers, staff and volunteers that the force will always take action against any employee or volunteer whose behaviour is called into question.

“Our communities quite rightly expect everyone working for Cleveland Police to adhere to the highest professional and personal standards – whether on or off duty.

“It is vital that we maintain public confidence, and sadly the behaviour of this officer fell well short of what is expected and acceptable. That is why the officer was immediately suspended from duty and disciplinary procedures, resulting in an accelerated misconduct hearing, chaired by the Chief Constable, were initiated at the earliest opportunity.

“The force has robust mechanisms in place for identifying and reporting any behaviour which is believed to be unlawful, unethical, unprofessional or simply inappropriate.

“These procedures have proven effective in this case.

“I would like to pay tribute to those colleagues who were brave enough to speak up so that immediate and robust action could be taken.”

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As well as the suspended sentence, Morgan was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work.

  • Anyone who has experienced sexual assault can report to Cleveland Police at any time on the 101 number or online via our website.
  • You can also receive specialist support and advice from local agencies: archteesside.org or by calling 01642 822331
  • sarcteesside.co.uk or by calling 01642 061230 Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm. Out of hours, people can call their Pathway and Support Service on 0330 2230099 or you can send them an email at Middlesbroughanddurham.sarc@nhs.net