Greater Manchester Police detective Stephen Hardy, 46, found guilty of raping 12-year-old child
A GREATER Manchester Police detective has today been found guilty of raping a child.
Sick Stephen Hardy, 46, sexually abused the child for eight years but always denied the crimes.
He was today found guilty of rape, sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity after a four-week trial.
The Liverpool Crown Court heard how Hardy’s sick abuse unfolded between December 2012 and June 2020.
The former cop always denied the 20 charges.
He was charged in July last year, and suspended from the force.
The former officer, from the Mottram area, will be sentenced on September 11.
Jo Palmiero, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West’s rape and serious sexual abuse unit, said Hardy was in a position of trust, and manipulated his victim.
Palmiero said: “Stephen Hardy gained the trust of the child before subjecting them to sickening sexual abuse, with no thought for the lasting damage his abuse would cause.
“Hardy was a police officer, in a position of trust, who manipulated and controlled his victim.
“I would like to commend the victim for reporting the abuse and supporting the prosecution.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/23240399/detective-stephen-hardy-guilty-rape-child/ Greater Manchester Police detective Stephen Hardy, 46, found guilty of raping 12-year-old child