A Greater Manchester Police detective has been sentenced to 26 years, after being convicted of over 20 offences including multiple rapes and child sexual offences.

Stephen Hardy was a detective constable within GMP's Stockport Division, having since been suspended. 

The 26 years includes an additional six years on extended licence. As Hardy has been classed as a dangerous offender, he will not be automatically released after two-thirds of his sentence. He has also been issued with a restraining order and will be on the sex offender's register for life.

Officers began investigating DC Hardy in June 2020 following a disclosure about his sexually abusive behaviour. An investigation was launched and GMP officers were able to gather evidence which resulted in him being charged with several offences in 2022. The offences were committed whilst he was off-duty.

Detective Sergeant Abigail Thomas of the Major Incident Team, who led the investigation into Hardy has said: "Stephen Hardy has been exposed as a manipulative individual who committed abhorrent offences over a significant period of time. His behaviour and actions go against everything we stand for within policing.

"Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the force's top priorities, and anyone found within the organisation to be abusing their position to harm others can expect to face the consequences.

"I hope this investigation and sentencing reassures the public that we do treat allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will not shy away from pursuing criminal charges against officers if they are deemed to have acted unlawfully.

"I commend those who have assisted with our investigation and would like to encourage anyone else who has either been a victim, or who has witnessed or is aware of sexual abuse or criminal activity taking place to come forward and speak to us so we can take action."

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