'Devious' detective who treated teenage girl as his 'sex object' will find prison 'harder than most'
13.09.2023 - 20:43
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
More than most, Stephen Hardy would have been aware of the devastation that sexual abuse can cause. A 'long serving' detective within Greater Manchester Police's Stockport division, he had promised to protect and serve.
But Hardy abused the trust placed in him. The disgraced officer is now serving a lengthy prison sentence.
Hardy, 46, was found guilty of a catalogue of crimes - including rape against a teenage girl. The campaign spanned several years and began when she was under 16.
Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.
Liverpool Crown Court was packed on Wednesday afternoon as Hardy learned his fate. In a statement read on the victim's behalf, she said: "I maintain a deep fear of authority figures despite overcoming this fear to report these crimes.
"His position in the Greater Manchester Police force has deeply affected me. I'm not sure I will be ever be able to fully trust any members of law enforcement."
Hardy, who maintains his innocence, was sentenced to 26 years in prison and branded a 'dangerous' offender. Wearing a grey suit, white shirt and grey tie, he showed no emotion as his punishment was disclosed.
The judge, Robert Trevor-Jones, said Hardy had subjected his victim to the 'ordeal' of giving evidence, during which she'd been branded a 'liar'. "You have not shown one iota of remorse for your behaviour," Hardy was told.
He had subjected the girl to a 'highly calculated and cynical course of grooming behaviour', the judge said. Judge Trevor-Jones labelled Hardy as 'manipulative' and 'devious', and said the victim felt he was an 'intimidating character' and was concerned that she would not be believed due to his profession.
"You were also a