Former Dorset Police officer jailed for misconduct in public office after sentence increased
James McClements, 35, pursued an intimate relationship with a victim of domestic abuse he met as part of an investigation
Last updated 30th Jul 2026
A former Dorset Police officer who admitted misconduct in a public office has been jailed after his sentence was found to be unduly lenient.
James McClements, 35, of Bridport, West Dorset was originally given an eight month prison sentence suspended for 12 months in June this year (2026).
He has now been given an immediate custodial sentence of 15 months after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal by Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
The court heard Mc Clements had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a victim of domestic abuse he met in November 2023 as part of an investigation.
McClements, met the victim while attending her home after she reported an assault by her former partner.
He pursued an intimate relationship with her between December 2023 and July 2024, pressuring her to keep it secret.
According to the Attorney General, McClements discouraged the victim from reporting a breach of bail by her ex-partner, to conceal his presence during the incident.
McClements resigned from the police force in April 2025.
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.”
The Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP said:
"James McClements abused the trust placed in him as a police officer, pursuing an intimate relationship with a domestic abuse victim.
"Furthermore, he pressured the victim into secrecy, when what she needed and deserved was professional support and protection.
"I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase his sentence, and I hope this sends a clear message that serious misconduct will be severely punished."
In May an accelerated police misconduct hearing found McClements guilty of gross misconduct and said he would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned.