South Wales Police statement following the conviction and sentencing of DC Mark Hopkins

DC Mark Hopkins was charged with perverting the course of justice following an investigation by the South Wales Police Anti-Corruption Unit under the supervision of the Independent Office of Police Conduct.

He was found guilty at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, July 24) and was today sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said: “Hopkins’ conduct represents an appalling example of police corruption which is not tolerated within the service.

“South Wales Police employs almost 5,000 police officers and members of staff who work tirelessly to serve their communities with honesty and integrity demonstrating the very highest levels of professional conduct at all times.

“Not only did DC Hopkins let down the victims of a serious assault, but also the communities he serves and his colleagues.

“Members of the public should be reassured that the force’s Anti-Corruption Unit, within the Professional Standards Department, is committed to tacking criminality and serious misconduct by individuals such as DC Hopkins.

“There is no place for anyone in the service who cannot secure the confidence of their colleagues or undermines the public’s trust in policing.”

Following his conviction, DC Hopkins will now face a Special Case Hearing to face allegations of gross misconduct. An application will also be made to the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner to consider pension forfeiture.

Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, Alun Michael, said: “The communities of South Wales rightly expect the highest of standards from police officers. The corrupt behaviour of Mark Hopkins is completely unacceptable is unrecognisable compared to the integrity and commitment we see from our officers and staff, day in and day out, across the communities of South Wales.

“It is important to note that as soon as this behaviour was identified, a full and thorough investigation was carried out by the Professional Standards Department, and the principle followed by the Chief Constable and his team is that the evidence has to be followed rigorously wherever it leads without any defensiveness by individuals or the organisation. That is the approach I expect and that I have seen from the current Chief Constable and his immediate predecessors.

“I now look forward to hearing more through the due processes in respect of the officer’s employment, which may include a pension forfeiture application for me to consider.”