10 February 2006
For Immediate Release

Ex PC Pleads Guilty to misconduct in public office

Former PC Shajan Miah pleaded guilty to four counts of misconduct in public office at Manchester Crown Court today.

Miah, who resigned from Greater Manchester Police in October 2005, admitted the offences which all took place between July and December 2004. The misconduct in public office counts relate to three occasions where he had sexual intercourse with a woman in her home whilst on duty and one count of inappropriate use of data from the Greater Manchester Police computer system.   He will be sentenced at a later date.

The charges were the result of an investigation, carried out by Greater Manchester Police Internal Affairs Department, and managed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, said: These were very serious allegations and Greater Manchester Police, managed by the IPCC, carried out a thorough investigation. Shajan Miah abused the power granted to police officers and his behaviour fell well below the standard expected by the public and the police service.”

-ends-

Notes for editors

The IPCC is the body with overall responsibility for the police complaints system in England and Wales. It has the task of increasing public confidence in the system and aims to make complaints investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.

The 17 Commissioners who run the IPCC guarantee its independence and by law can never have served as police officers. They are supported by 95 independent IPCC investigators, as well as case workers and specialist support staff.

Since April 1 2004 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 82 independent and 270 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police. It has also set new standards for police forces to improve the way the public's complaints are handled.   It also handles appeals by the public about the way their complaint was dealt with by the local force.

The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves.  Its Commissioners and staff are based in IPCC regional offices in Cardiff, Coalville, London and Sale plus a sub office in Wakefield.   

The IPCC web site is constantly updated at www.ipcc.gov.uk or members of the public can contact the IPCC on 08453 002 002.

For further information please contact:

Richard Offer, Head of Media

Tel: 020 7166 3214

Fax: 020 7166 3514

Mob 07710 381890

Out of hours: 07717 851 157

Email: richard.offer@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk