Sentencing of former PC Wheeler

Former PC Shaun Wheeler, 56, who was based at Boston, has been sentenced to a total of 20 months in prison for misconduct in a public office. 

He was handed the sentence at Nottingham Crown Court today, after having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to the two charges.  

The court heard that between July 2017 and March 2019 Wheeler developed a pattern of meeting female members of the public through the course of his duties. He went onto abuse his position of trust as a Constable as he sought to develop a romantic or sexual relationship with them, and by sending inappropriate communications.

The investigation was carried out by the Independent Office of Police Conduct, following a referral made by Lincolnshire Police in 2019 when the actions of Wheeler were uncovered.

He was handed a 20-month custodial sentence for one charge, and a nine month sentence for the second, to be served concurrently.

Following sentencing, Deputy Chief Constable Julia Debenham said: “Shaun Wheeler’s actions go against everything the police service stands for. He is a disgrace to the uniform. His behaviour undermines the great work that hundreds of colleagues do every day as they work hard to keep people safe and do so with integrity and professionalism – the exact opposite of what Shaun Wheeler has done. I’m pleased that the court has recognised his flagrant abuse of power and imposed the sentence it has.

“We are grateful to everyone who came forward to assist in the investigation because it takes great strength and courage. Without their evidence this case may not have had the outcome it has.

“We have invested heavily in prevention, intelligence gathering and education of staff about those who abuse their position for a sexual purpose.  We actively encourage staff to report any concerns in person, to Crimestoppers or by using our in-force confidential reporting system. We have reviewed the policy around reporting corrupt behaviour by officers and how referrals can be made.

“Similarly, we encourage any members of the public to contact us if they think an officer’s behaviour isn’t up to the high standards expected of them. Our focus on victims and preventing people from becoming victims, regardless of who the perpetrator may be, remains at the heart of all we do.”