In a major police misconduct scandal, former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Inspector Toby Knight has been barred from policing after a disciplinary panel found he engaged in inappropriate contact with sex workers, including while on duty, over more than five years.

The shocking revelations, part of an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)–directed probe, have triggered widespread public backlash and reignited concerns over trust in policing.

Extensive Misconduct Uncovered by Anti-Corruption Unit

The investigation by GMP’s Anti-Corruption Unit, overseen by the IOPC, found that Knight had 245 communications with adult sex workers via his work phone from September 2018 to March 2024—176 of which occurred during working hours, training sessions, or while reported sick.

Further checks on his personal phone revealed 357 messages and calls between May 2023 and April 2024, again with no legitimate policing purpose.

During a criminal interview in April 2024, Knight admitted to contacting sex workers for personal use while on duty, confirming deliberate misconduct.

Standards Violated

The disciplinary panel, chaired by GMP’s Chief Resources Officer, concluded on 29 May 2025 that Knight would have been dismissed immediately, had he not resigned a day earlier. He was found to have breached the following Standards of Professional Behaviour:

• Authority, Respect, and Courtesy

• Discreditable Conduct

• Honesty and Integrity

• Orders and Instructions

Knight has now been placed on the police barred list, effectively ending any future career in law enforcement.

Public Outrage and Social Media Backlash

The misconduct has fueled a storm of social media criticism, with users on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook condemning the betrayal of public trust.

“How can we trust the police when officers abuse their power like this?” wrote one user.

Another commented: “This damages the reputation of hardworking officers across the country.”

Such sentiments have underscored growing demands for greater transparency and oversight within the police service.

IOPC Statement: ‘A Serious Betrayal of Public Trust’

Amanda Rowe, Director at the IOPC, said the case illustrated a severe breach of integrity:

“Every police officer holds an incredibly privileged position in society, and it is vital their behaviour does not discredit the service. Cases like these have the real potential to impact public confidence in the police.”

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust in GMP

The length and frequency of Knight’s misconduct—largely unchecked over five and a half years—have raised broader questions about internal oversight within GMP and the systems designed to detect officer misconduct.

The IOPC has called for continued reforms, and GMP has pledged to tighten monitoring processes and improve ethical training for its officers.

Anyone wishing to report concerns about police conduct can contact the IOPC directly or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.

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