Former Pc avoids jail after grooming two vulnerable single mothers

Erling Leask has been given a suspended jail sentence and ordered to carry out 50 days of rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid work

A police officer who groomed two vulnerable single mothers and had sex with one when he was on duty has avoided jail.

Erling Leask, 56, of Cowgate, Newcastle, admitted two counts of misconduct in a public office in relation to inappropriately contacting the women in the early 2000s when he worked as a neighbourhood Pc for Northumbria Police.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he had a consensual sexual relationship over several months with one woman whom he was supposed to be helping, sometimes visiting her twice a day.

He made similar advances to another vulnerable woman and after he got her phone number – for work reasons – he later messaged her to say she looked nice and that he “fancied her”, the sentencing judge was told.

One day when he saw the woman out and about, he invited her to a local park to talk, and although she felt uneasy, she agreed.

It was there Leask kissed her on the lips – something the woman did not expect or consent to, the court heard.

In relation to this, Leask admitted indecent assault.

Leask faced disciplinary proceedings in 2002 about this incident and he was moved on from his beat, but was not prosecuted.

He left the force in the mid-2000s.

Published: 20/08/2021 by Radio NewsHub