Police tutor and student resign over sexual affair

Two police officers who started a sexual relationship while they were tutor and student have been found guilty of gross misconduct following a disciplinary hearing.

Northamptonshire Police said PC Mark Robinson and Trainee Det Con Bethany Wilkins would have been sacked had they not both resigned.

Wilkins gave up her job before the hearing on 19 October and Robinson quit during a break in the proceedings.

The force said they both attended a meeting in March 2023 and stated their relationship was as a tutor and student, but the hearing said evidence of texts, a photo and a hotel booking proved it was a lie.

The panel was chaired by Assistant Chief Constable James Avery.

It heard Robinson joined the force in February 2018 and in 2020 was appointed tutor constable before tutoring Wilkins, who joined in 2022.

During a lunch break in the hearing, Robinson resigned "with immediate effect" and did not return, as he said there were "investigative failures and discrepancies" and cited "age-related prejudice".

Wilkins had previously resigned and did not attend the hearing.

The hearing was told that on 23 March 2023, both were called to a meeting and stated they were not in a relationship.

The panel was presented with screenshots of a hotel stay on 19 March 2023, as well as emails sent showing a photo of the couple kissing on the lips, in a vehicle, on 18 March.

Messages from 18 March were presented to the hearing, where Wilkins told another PC: "It's so weird he's 55 ha ha".

They replied: "Only 30 years between you."

Evidence of a hotel stay, in both their names, dated from 19-20 March was also presented.

Robinson said he had booked a room for Wilkins as a "nice thing" and had not stayed with her.

It was alleged that the officers breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to "honesty and integrity", with Robinson alleged to have further breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to "duties and responsibilities".

A force spokesperson said: "Honesty and integrity underpin everything the public rightly expect from the police officers who serve and protect them.

"Both officers failed to meet the high standards rightfully expected of them by the public by virtue of their conduct in this case."

The panel said it was satisfied that Robinson "entered into their relationship during this tutorship knowing that it was inappropriate".

Both their behaviours were found to be "intentional and deliberate".

It took into account that Wilkins was "young in service and a student officer being tutored by Robinson".

Both have been put on the Police Barred List but have the right to appeal.

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