Lancashire’s top cop slashes pension of officer guilty of sexual misconduct
Commissioner clamps down on rotten cops
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has taken a tough stance on police misconduct. Darren Coathup, a Lancashire officer jailed for abusing his position for sexual gain, has had 65% of his pension stripped for five years. The hard-hitting move follows Coathup’s two-year prison sentence in February 2023.
Grunshaw’s decision, made with legal experts and the Lancs Anti-Corruption Unit, uses new rules that allow pension forfeiture for officers convicted of serious crimes linked to their service. The aim? To restore public trust after such damaging behaviour.
Zero tolerance for abuse of trust
“When officers break the trust of their colleagues and the people of Lancashire, we will take every available step to ensure they face the fullest consequences, including forfeiting their pensions,” declared Grunshaw.
“This decision sends a clear message that misconduct, especially when it exploits vulnerable individuals, will not be tolerated in Lancashire.”
Backing from the top brass
Deputy Chief Constable Sam Mackenzie echoed the Commissioner’s strong message. “Offending of such an appalling nature must have wide-reaching consequences,” Mackenzie said. “It is right that Coathup faces pension forfeiture. The public expects nothing less when police officers commit crimes.”
The price of disgrace
While Coathup’s pension contributions from the force are cut, his personal payments remain untouchable under current laws. Still, the move underlines the strict standards of integrity expected from police. Any breach will be met with severe penalties, sending a warning to those who consider abusing their badge.
