Former Dorset Police officer has sentence increased

A former Dorset Police officer who pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office has his sentenced increased following a ruling by the Court of Appeal.

A former Dorset Police officer who pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office has his sentenced increased following a ruling by the Court of Appeal.

James McClements, aged 35, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 10 April 2026. He was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Following a submission to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme on behalf of the Solicitor General, McClements’ sentence was increased to an immediate custodial sentence of 15 months.

McClements resigned from the Force in April 2025.

The offence relates to an inappropriate sexual relationship that the former officer had with a victim of domestic abuse he met in November 2023 as part of an investigation.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “We take it very seriously when a member of the police service acts below the standards expected.

“The victim in this case was vulnerable and McClements abused his position of trust and did not maintain professional boundaries and it is right that he is facing the consequences of his actions.

“I want to thank our officers, staff and volunteers who continue to act with professionalism every day to keep the public safe.”

There are a number of ways the public can report matters. You can provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer in the UK to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 085 0000 or via the Crimestoppers' website.