Former officer Neal Murray sentenced at court

Neal Murray served as an Officer in the Metropolitan Police from 2016, transferring to Cleveland Police in 2019. On transfer to Cleveland, he was subject of a full vetting review and no adverse information was highlighted from his previous service history in the Metropolitan Police.

In January 2021, his supervisor identified concerns that he had failed to appropriately investigate and safeguard a victim who reported Domestic Abuse.

An initial investigation by Cleveland Police’s Counter Corruption Unit (CCU) established Murray had recorded several dishonest statements.

The allegations were referred to the IOPC, who worked with Cleveland Police to investigate Murray.

The CCU conducted a review of previous Domestic Abuse incidents attended by Murray, which led to further concerns being identified.

Murray was suspended from duty immediately while an investigation was carried out.

Murray was charged with the offence of Misconduct in a Public Office and dismissed from Cleveland Police in May 2024.

Murray pleaded guilty to the offence of Misconduct in a Public Office at Teesside Crown Court in August 2024, and today (Thursday 17 October 2024), he was handed an 18-month sentence suspended for two years, 280 hours unpaid work and a £1680 fine.

His conviction will be referred to the Office of Police Crime Commissioner to consider if an application should be made to the Home Office to seek forfeiture of Murray’s Police Pension.

Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner, Head of Cleveland Police’s Counter Corruption and Vetting Unit, said:

“Murray’s actions can only be described as completely and utterly wrong. Cleveland Police does not accept any behaviour which has a detrimental effect on our service to the public.

“I hope the robust action taken by the Counter Corruption Unit and the sentence imposed by the courts will provide reassurance that allegations of this nature are taken seriously and swift action will be taken to remove and bar officers from the service”.