Matthew Lynch Slough Sex Offender
Matthew Lynch Slough Sex Offender

A Thames Valley Police officer, Matthew Lynch Slough Sex Offender, has been imprisoned after confessing to engaging in sexual contact with a vulnerable woman under investigation.

Matthew Lynch, 37, residing in Slough, admitted to misconduct in a public office at the Nightingale Court in Barbican, London, in June of the previous year following an inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Matthew Lynch, suspended from duty in August 2023, acknowledged establishing a personal relationship with a suspect subsequent to her arrest.

He was sentenced to 17 months in prison at St Albans Crown Court on Monday, January 20.

Matthew Lynch commenced his tenure with Thames Valley Police (TVP) as a police community support officer (PCSO) in 2007 and ascended to the rank of police constable in May 2017. He officially resigned from TVP in September 2024.

He engaged in sexual contact with the woman during the criminal investigation, of which he was the officer in charge, from March to June, and continued until October 2021 after the matter was dismissed.

In November 2021, Thames Valley Police submitted a compulsory referral to the IOPC.

Matthew Lynch underwent an interview, and his mobile devices were scrutinised. Testimonies were obtained from multiple witnesses, including the woman under investigation.

The probe concluded in November 2022.

The CPS authorised charges of corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers and privileges contrary to the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 and perverting the course of justice.

On June 24 last year, the CPS added the charge of misconduct in a public office as an alternative charge, and PC Lynch pleaded guilty.

Sasha Barton, a specialist civil liberties solicitor from Hodge Jones & Allen, who represented the victim, said: “This man abused his position as a police officer by entering into a relationship with my vulnerable client which has left her with deep seated emotional scars.

“She is relieved that he is no longer a police officer and that he has been held to account for his outrageous behaviour. She hopes to be able to move on with her life now he has been brought to justice.”

IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “The police are there to help the people they serve, not exploit them. Abuse of position for a sexual purpose is serious corruption and has absolutely no place in policing.

“PC Matthew Lynch took advantage of a woman he knew was in a vulnerable position, which included welfare concerns, and in doing so damaged her – and the public’s – trust in the police.

“Officers must not, under any circumstances, use their professional position to form a sexual or improper emotional relationship with a vulnerable person.”


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