Officer Failed to Protect Vulnerable Pregnant Woman Who Was Later Kidnapped and Assaulted

A former Bedfordshire Police officer who failed to take adequate safeguarding steps to protect a pregnant woman has been found guilty of gross misconduct, a disciplinary panel has ruled.

The panel determined that former PC Lee Beddington, 51, who was based in Bedford, would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned in January 2025.

Concerns for Woman’s Safety Ignored

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) revealed that between 2 and 6 October 2023, PC Beddington had neglected his duty to safeguard a woman in a vulnerable position.

• On 2 October 2023, Beddington was assigned to investigate concerns for a woman’s welfare.
• A colleague advised him to make an urgent adult safeguarding referral, but no action was taken.
• Four days later, on 6 October, the four-months pregnant woman was kidnapped and assaulted.

Disciplinary Findings

Following a two-day misconduct hearing, the panel found that Beddington had breached police professional standards, including:

• Failure to conduct adequate welfare checks.
• Not completing an adult safeguarding referral.
• Failing to contact the woman or put protective measures in place.

As a result, Beddington will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from ever working as a police officer again.

IOPC Condemnation

IOPC Director Emily Barry criticised the former officer’s actions, stating:

“Police officers have a responsibility to help keep the public safe. Former PC Beddington failed in his duty to respond appropriately to safety concerns for a pregnant woman, who was clearly in a vulnerable position, contrary to his training and police policies and guidance.”

“The effects of the incident on this woman were serious and long-lasting.”

“While he has since resigned from the force, as a result of our investigation, he will be placed on the police barred list and cannot be employed as an officer in the future.”

Background of the Investigation

• Bedfordshire Police referred the case to the IOPC in October 2023 after the woman was kidnapped.
• The IOPC concluded its investigation in April 2024, recommending gross misconduct proceedings.
• The disciplinary hearing confirmed Beddington’s failures and permanent barring from the profession.

This case highlights the severe consequences of neglecting safeguarding responsibilities within the police force and reinforces the importance of accountability in protecting vulnerable individuals.