The Head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement says he is “deeply disappointed” in the actions of the former police officer who was today convicted for perverting the course of justice by pressuring a vulnerable person to withdraw a rape complaint.
Aaron Cusack (26) worked for Guernsey Police for approximately five years between 2016 and 2021. Jurats of the Royal Court returned a unanimous guilty decision this afternoon following a five-day trial.
Chief Officer Ruari Hardy delivered a public statement at Police HQ today, saying his conduct “undermines the trust and confidence of our community in an organisation that is here to protect and serve and keep the most vulnerable safe.
“Cusack did not do this and did not provide the level of service we should be delivering to members of the public. For that I publicly apologise.”
He hopes public trust in law enforcement and the professional standards its staff are held to can be maintained: “I would like to reassure the public and be clear, any member of our staff who does fall below the high standards we hold cannot and should not be in the position of trust within the community.
“Serving officers professionally identified and secured the evidence in this case which has led to this conviction.”
WATCH: The statement delivered by Chief Officer Hardy.
Immediate action was taken to suspend Cusack once a complaint was lodged, and he was fired at the “soonest opportunity” which was done by Chief Officer Hardy personally, he added.
“I understand how the community will view this case, particularly in the context of the broader policing issues in the UK, but I am confident that the conduct of one individual does not reflect the commitment and dedication of the staff working within Guernsey Police in serving the community.
“The behaviours of this specific individual do not reflect the values and high standards that the community rightly demands from us.
Cusack will be sentenced for perverting the course of justice, and three RIPL offences (refusing to disclose a PIN number to a phone, laptop and iPad), on 25 September.
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