Michael Lockwood, the director general of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) from its inception in January 2018 is facing ongoing legal proceedings of six counts of indecent assault and three offences of rape against a girl of 14 years of age committed between October 1985 and March 1986. The allegations were filed in December 2022 which cast a shadow over Lockwood’s reputation and abruptly ended his nearly 4 years career in the IOPC.

Lockwood appeared at Hull magistrates court on 28 June 2023 for a first hearing of the case. The court heard that at the time, Lockwood was 25-26 years old and employed as a part-time lifeguard and fitness instructor at a Humberside leisure centre where the allegations happened. He is accused of kissing and groping the girl in his car and the leisure centre’s store room. Further, it is alleged that he proceeded to have sexual encounters with the girl thrice. After the charges were read aloud, Lockwood, through his barrister Jacqueline Carey KC, denied all the allegations.

Lockwood was given an unconditional release on bail, and his trial is scheduled for 3 weeks from 1 July 2024 at the Old Bailey. A further full-day pre-trial hearing is still to be fixed in December.

This article was prepared by the Association Against Abuse of Police Powers and Privileges (AAAPPP), a UK not-for-profit organisation specializing in assisting victims of abuse of power and corruption in the UK Police.