Home / Crime and Justice / Predator Officer's Victim Denied Truth, Seeks Accountability
Predator Officer's Victim Denied Truth, Seeks Accountability
2 Jul
Summary
- Victim received a substantial financial payout but lacks truth.
- Officer found guilty of gross misconduct for predatory actions.
- Force's handling of complaints compounded victim's distress.
A woman, identified as Lorraine, has been awarded a significant financial settlement from the Metropolitan Police after a protracted nine-year struggle for justice following her grooming by a predatory officer. Despite the payout, she asserts that she has not received the truth or accountability she sought from the force. Her experience was documented in Baroness Casey's 2023 review, which characterized the Met as "institutionally misogynistic."
Former PC Phil Hunter initiated contact with Lorraine during a welfare visit in 2017. Over two years, he engaged in a deliberate, predatory plan, sending her inappropriate messages and attempting to isolate her to initiate a sexual relationship. Hunter was found guilty of gross misconduct in August 2024 for this behavior, compounded by a previous similar case involving another vulnerable woman.
Lorraine's complaints were reportedly ignored by the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), with initial officers dismissing her concerns. The DPS later acknowledged failings, admitting her allegations were not recorded and decisions may have been influenced by unsubstantiated beliefs about her mental health. She was also internally labeled a "fixated complainant."
In October 2025, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) partially upheld a review, deeming the service she received unacceptable. However, no further action was mandated due to the passage of time. Lorraine continues to advocate for accountability, emphasizing that the most distressing aspects of her experience occurred after Baroness Casey's report, highlighting ongoing cultural issues within the force.
