…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Michael Lockwood, the former director general of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has been charged with multiple counts of rape and indecent assault against a teenage girl almost four decades ago.
Lockwood, aged 64, resigned from his position in December after it was revealed that he was under investigation for child sex allegations.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) recently announced that Lockwood has been charged with nine offenses, dating back to 1985 and 1986 when he was in his mid-20s.
The charges pertain to allegations of sexual abuse of a girl under the age of 16.
Charges Authorized by CPS
Rosemary Ainslie, Head of the Special Crime Division at the CPS, stated that after carefully reviewing the evidence provided by Humberside Police, they have authorized charges against Lockwood.
The charges consist of six counts of indecent assault and three offenses of rape against a girl under the age of 16, alleged to have occurred during the 1980s.
Ainslie reminded the public that criminal proceedings against Lockwood are ongoing and emphasized his right to a fair trial.
Upcoming Court Appearance
Lockwood is scheduled to make his first appearance to face the charges at Hull Magistrates Court on June 28 at 2 pm.
This court appearance marks a significant development in the case.
Resignation and Investigation
Lockwood’s resignation from the IOPC followed his private disclosure to the Home Office about the ongoing investigation.
Upon learning about the police investigation into an historic allegation, Home Secretary Suella Braverman took immediate action and accepted Lockwood’s resignation or, alternatively, ordered his immediate suspension from his role.
The IOPC initiated an investigation into the handling of the case and Lockwood’s continued position as the head of the watchdog.
The review is being led by Sir David Calvert Smith, the former Director of Public Prosecutions.
Lockwood’s Background and Statement
Lockwood assumed the role of the IOPC’s first director general in 2018, when the organization was established to replace the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Prior to that, he led a government taskforce following the Grenfell Tower tragedy to provide support to bereaved families.
Lockwood also served as the chief executive of Harrow Council.
In his resignation statement from the IOPC, Lockwood expressed sadness and cited personal and domestic reasons for his decision.
He praised the progress made during his five-year tenure and extended gratitude to the staff, unitary board, and external stakeholders.
The unitary board will work with the Home Office to swiftly appoint new leadership.