A former West Mercia Police officer has been charged with misconduct in public office following an investigation after it is said he had inappropriate contact with a vulnerable woman.

Ex-police constable Nick Peacock, 39, is also charged with a corruption offence in the alternative, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

He is alleged to have had inappropriate contact with a vulnerable woman he met through the course of his duties.

He is also alleged to have failed to investigate a reported crime involving the same woman, amounting to the improper exercise of police powers contrary to Section 26 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.

The alleged offences took place between February and April 2022.

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The former officer is scheduled to appear at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 5.

The IOPC received a referral about PC Peacock’s conduct from West Mercia Police in May 2022 which led to the investigation.

Following the completion of an investigation the IPOC referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the charges.

The IOPC was advised that PC Peacock resigned from West Mercia Police in March this year.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Nicholas Peacock, 39, has been charged with misconduct in public office and corruption or improper exercise of police powers and privileges by a constable.

"The charges are in relation to incidents which took place while he was a PC in Market Drayton from February to April 2022. 

"Due to the on-going court proceedings, it would not be appropriate for us comment further at this stage, however, we will do so when we are able."