Former Lancashire detective jailed for coercive and controlling behaviour
He's been jailed for 30 months
A former police officer has been sentenced to 30 months in jail after admitting to coercive and controlling behaviour towards a woman.
64-year-old Michael Harvey pleaded guilty to engaging in controlling behaviour and Unauthorised Access to Computer Material.
Harvey worked as a detective in Lancashire Police’s Sexual Offenders Management Unit at the time of the offences, which took place between December 2015 and July 2016.
The court heard how he used police systems in 2012 to obtain the victim's vehicle registration and her landline number, after meeting her by chance at an Asda store in Rawtenstall.
After their initial meeting, Harvey approached the victim again at the same store in October 2012, revealing his status as a police officer.
The victim gave him her mobile number, leading to a date days later.
Concerns arose when Harvey insisted on no social media photos and hesitated introducing her to family or friends.
Throughout their relationship, Harvey used tactics involving his health and financial struggles to manipulate the victim.
He also threatened self-harm when she confronted him about his behaviour, including flirtatious texting other women in 2015.
The victim reported the offences to police in July 2022, leading to Harvey's arrest in October 2023 in Eskdale, Skelmersdale.
At Preston Session's House today (5th February), Harvey was jailed and received a ten-year restraining order.
He was previously cleared of three counts of rape after a trial last year.