PAUL HAROLD SHOCKS BUCKNALL AND BIRMINGHAM WITH POLICE OFFICER'S CRIME AGAINST TEENAGER

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bucknall and the wider Birmingham area, Paul Harold, a 47-year-old former police officer, has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a teenage girl. The conviction was announced following a detailed trial at Birmingham Crown Court on March 14, 2025, bringing to light a series of troubling events that spanned over two decades.

Harold’s criminal actions trace back to an incident in 1997, when he was still serving as a police officer. On May 24 of that year, he was arrested in connection with an incident involving a young girl, then only 15 years old, who was in care at the time. The girl was accused of shoplifting from a store in Newcastle-under-Lyme, a town not far from Bucknall. During her time in custody, Harold, exploiting his authority and position, took an inappropriate step by writing his phone number on the back of her hand. This act marked the beginning of a series of inappropriate contacts that would follow.

Following this initial contact, Harold went on to reach out to the girl at her home, establishing a troubling pattern of communication. The situation escalated when Harold took her for rides in his car, during which the indecent assault occurred. These events remained undisclosed for many years, until a woman came forward in 2020, revealing allegations that prompted a renewed investigation by Staffordshire Police.

Despite Harold’s denial of the accusations during an interview conducted in June 2020, the evidence collected during the investigation was compelling enough to secure a conviction. The case highlighted a gross abuse of power and trust, especially given Harold’s role as a police officer sworn to uphold the law and serve the community with integrity.

Following the verdict, Staffordshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Jon Roy, issued a statement condemning Harold’s actions. He emphasized that Harold’s conduct was a stark betrayal of the responsibilities entrusted to him, especially considering he had sworn an oath to act lawfully and ethically just nine months prior to the incidents. Roy expressed gratitude to the brave victim who came forward, acknowledging her courage in revealing Harold’s misconduct. He also reaffirmed the community’s expectations for police officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, standards that Harold’s behavior fell far below.

Harold is now scheduled to face sentencing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on April 28, where the full extent of his misconduct will be formally addressed. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability within law enforcement and the ongoing need to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse of authority.