NEWCASTLE – A blackmailing police officer preyed on vulnerable women he met on duty, gave them drugs and raped them, a court heard yesterday.
PC Stephen Mitchell (42) made advances towards heroin addicts, a disabled teenager and a middle-aged shop-lifter in an interview suite at Pilgrim Street Police Station, in Newcastle city centre, a jury was told.
The officer, from Glasgow, denies five counts of rape, six indecent assaults and 15 counts of misconduct in a public office, said to have occurred between 1999 and 2006.
The charges relate to 16 complainants Mitchell met in the line of duty, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
Paul Sloan QC, prosecuting, said Mitchell repeatedly raped a heroin addict who asked him to help her get back her children from care.
The woman, now in her 30s and from North Tyneside, said he gave her heroin when he picked her up in his car.
Mr Sloan said the officer then told her: “I have done you a favour, I want you to do one for me.” He then forced her to commit a sex act on him. Days later he threatened to plant heroin in her home if she did not get into his car, Mr Sloan said, where she performed another sex act. – (PA)