A former Dorset Police officer who admitted misconduct in a public office has had his sentence increased by the Court of Appeal.
James McClements, 35, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to misconduct in a public office after forming an inappropriate sexual relationship with a domestic abuse victim he met during an investigation in November 2023.
He was initially given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, but following a submission under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Court of Appeal increased his sentence to 15 months in prison.
McClements resigned from Dorset Police in April 2025.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said the force takes such matters very seriously and that McClements “abused his position of trust and did not maintain professional boundaries.”
Members of the public can report concerns about police conduct to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, run by Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 085 0000 or visiting the Crimestoppers website.
