Officer admits misconduct in public office
A police constable who “wilfully abused his position as an officer” has pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Hertfordshire Constabulary PC Nicholas Musto, aged 50, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (July 2) where he admitted forming an 11-year relationship with a vulnerable woman he met through his role as a police officer.
The officer’s conduct came to light following a referral from Hertfordshire Constabulary in October 2018. The IOPC said its investigation looked at mobile phone records, police logs and witness accounts coupled with the officer’s response during interviews.
Regional Director Sarah Green said: “Under compelling evidence against him, PC Musto changed his plea to guilty, admitting the offence of misconduct in public office.
“By admitting his guilt, PC Musto acknowledged he wilfully abused his position as a police officer to form a relationship with a vulnerable woman he met through the course of his duties.
“Any officer who abuses their position of trust and power by engaging in sexual relationships can have no place in policing. We are working hard to ensure police forces refer all allegations of abuse of position to us, and we will continue to provide guidance and knowledge to help identify this abuse of trust as early as possible.
“Following our nine-month investigation, which concluded in June 2019, we passed a copy of our investigative report and findings to Hertfordshire Constabulary. The force agreed with our findings that PC Musto has a case to answer for gross misconduct. Hertfordshire Constabulary will arrange for a disciplinary hearing to take place.”
PC Musto first appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on in December 2019.
Sentencing will take place on Friday July 17.
