Remorseless GMP detective who repeatedly raped girl still says he's innocent

A detective who repeatedly raped and sexually abused a teenage girl - and still maintains his innocence - has been jailed for 26 years. Detective Constable Stephen Hardy, 46, who worked for Greater Manchester Police within the force’s Stockport division, was found guilty of a catalogue of sexual crimes.

Hardy groomed the girl and 'gained power and control' over her, Liverpool Crown Court heard. The 'manipulative' disgraced officer showed no emotion as he learned his fate.

Hardy, of Hyde Road in Mottram, Tameside, was previously convicted of multiple counts of rape; sexual assault; causing a child to engage in sexual activity and to watch sexual activity; and assault by penetration.

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His trial heard the offences spanned eight years, and began when his victim girl was 12. She had been concerned about who would believe her if she told anyone because of Hardy's job, the court heard.

A sentencing hearing this afternoon (Wednesday, September 13) heard Hardy maintains his innocence. Judge Robert Trevor-Jones labelled Hardy a ‘dangerous’ offender and handed him an extended sentence.

He will serve two-thirds of a 26 year jail term before the Parole Board decides whether it is safe for him to be released.

Following his conviction, Detective Sergeant Abigail Thomas, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "Stephen Hardy has been exposed as a manipulative individual who committed abhorrent offences over a significant period of time. His behaviour and actions go against everything we stand for within policing.

"Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the Force’s top priorities, and anyone found within the organisation to be