A serving police officer, Georgie Bean, has been convicted of misconduct in public office for engaging in a sexual relationship with a “key witness.”
Police Constable of Essex Georgie Bean, located in Basildon, exchanged contact information with the woman following her provision of a statement.
The witness transmitted “explicit” photographs of herself to Georgie Bean, 32, and they participated in “snogging, kissing,” and “heavy petting,” as presented before Chelmsford Crown Court.
Georgie Bean was mandated to complete 50 hours of community service and remit fees amounting to £1,200.
The defendant, Georgie Bean, residing on Fitzstephen Road in Dagenham, East London, was suspended from police duties in January 2021 and has remained under suspension since that time.
Georgie Bean was convicted of misconduct in public service after the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The woman, who observed a racially motivated assault in September 2020, threatened to retract her account following the deterioration of her relationship with Bean.
During the trial, Georgie Bean’s superior, Sgt. Harry Shelton, stated that the officer admitted to the events that transpired between them, explaining that this was the reason the “key witness” had ceased to be cooperative.
Mr. Shelton stated that his initial reaction was to express sentiments akin to ‘you are foolish,’ possibly accompanied by an obscenity, as he was taken aback and astonished.
“To avoid appearing foolish, we maintain no relationships with witnesses in active cases, as this principle is instilled in us during training.”
Mr. Shelton stated that Georgie Bean revealed the witness had also transmitted sexual photos of herself to him.
‘Unacceptable association’
The jury convicted Georgie Bean of engaging in malfeasance in public office from November to December 2020.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct advised that the police conduct a disciplinary hearing.
Charmaine Arbouin, the regional head of the complaints watchdog, stated: “PC Georgie Bean was determined to have established an inappropriate relationship with a woman who was the only independent witness to an assault he was responsible for investigating.”
“He evidently failed to uphold suitable and professional boundaries with the woman, and his actions constituted a criminal offence.”
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