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.
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