Helen Jones jailed over Steven Gerrard CCTV blackmail plot

Merseyside policewoman gets 22 months in prison after she illegally seized bank CCTV footage

Policewoman Helen Jones was today jailed for her role in a blackmail plot to "embarrass" Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard.

Helen Jones was on a career break when she illegally seized bank CCTV footage of a brawl involving the Reds skipper outside a bar in Formby in August 2013.

The 32-year-old, from Chatham in Kent, was jailed for 22 months after admitting misconduct in a public office on the day of her trial.

Judge Stuart Baker, at Preston Crown Court said she took a "calculated risk" in seizing the footage.

Jones obtained the CCTV from Lloyds bank after an alleged assault in which businessman Paul Lloyd, 34, claimed Gerrard and up to 12 of his pals "kicked and punched him for four minutes" as a fracas spilled out of a Woodwards bar in Chapel Lane, hours after the midfielder's Anfield testimonial game.

Jones had argued that she got hold of the CCTV for "philanthropic" reasons to help out a friend of a friend but that was rejected by judge Baker at a previous hearing where he said Jones acted for others out of "base motives", possibly as a lever to extort money and "embarrass" Gerrard.

The court previously heard how Lee McPartland, a friend of Gerrard, met with Mr Lloyd after the incident and an offer to pay him money was made to "put this to bed".

Mr Lloyd, who was arrested on suspicion of blackmail and released without charge, was accused by the prosecution of being "part and parcel" of a plot to extort money from the Reds midfielder, which he denied.

Sentencing Jones, judge Baker said: "You caused serious embarrassment to Mr Gerrard and Mr McPartland. I make no judgement at all as to who did what to whom in the incident on the night of August 4, 2013, nor as to whom bears any responsibility for that.

"But as a result of your conduct these two people have been subjected to allegations and extensive media speculation."

Prosecutors insist the footage, which has never been shown, shows Gerrard acting as peacemaker.

A victim statement made by the footballer was not read in court.

Richard Haworth, prosecuting, said the footballer had suffered "slander, menace and threats" and the prospect of civil proceedings taken by Mr Lloyd, which were apparently halted before last summer's World Cup.

But he said: "Let it be known there are no ongoing proceedings which given his (Lloyd) performance in the witness box is hardly surprising. I say no more about his credibility."

Roderick Jones, defending, said his client, who resigned from the force in December 2013, had not acted out of financial gain.

He said:​ "It is so important the court takes extremely seriously breaches of trust because it leads to a loss of faith, and a loss of faith in the police leads to a breakdown in law and order."

He added: "​Was it driven by the incentive of money? The position is that there may be a suspicion but there is no evidence. We would suggest there was no exchanging of money here.

"We are dealing with a single event in which a then serving PC, on a career break, took a decision to catastrophically bend the rules to breaking point and in so doing broke them by obtaining information she did not obtain through the appropriate channels."

Judge Baker conceded Jones, who joined the force in 2005 and resigned in December 2013, had suffered personal traumas and was diagnosed with a stress disorder following a road accident - but said an immediate prison sentence was the only option.

He said: "This was deliberate and calculated misconduct on your part and your response on being found out was to tell lies on every opportunity."

Detective Chief Inspector Andy O’Connor, said: "Today's result sends out a clear message to both members of the public and our own police staff and shows that Merseyside Police is committed to providing the public with a professional service and we will not tolerate any abuse of office.

"The behaviour of this former officer was completely unacceptable and serves to undermine the public's confidence and trust in the police. We are quite clear, no officer is above the law. If any officer is found to be behaving in a way that does not meet our high standards we will take swift and robust action.

"For this reason Merseyside Police will not tolerate such criminal behaviour. This former officer let down her colleagues whom day in, day out, provide a professional and quality service to members of communities across Merseyside.

"I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and the Prosecution Team for all their support throughout this case and the investigation team, for their professionalism and commitment throughout this investigation."

Story and Photo Source: Liverpool Echo