A Herts police officer from Stevenage who is accused of manipulating vulnerable young female crime victims into having sexual relationships with him has been found not guilty of one misconduct in public office offence, a court heard yesterday.

Simon Salway is appearing at Luton Crown Court charged with exploiting his professional contacts with seven domestic violence victims and other crime witnesses between 2006 and 2014.

However the jury came to the conclusion yesterday afternoon that the 39-year-old – who lives in the St Nicholas area – was not guilty of one count of misconduct in public office in relation to his dealings with a victim of domestic violence.

The charge related to five late night phone calls made by PC Salway to a woman – who was having issues with her ex-partner – in which he asked her ‘are you okay?’

PC Salway – who was specially trained to deal with domestic violence victims – was arrested in March 2014 after a mobile was found in his locker with ‘provocative’ photographs of women.

He faces a further six counts of misconduct in public office. The trial, which is expected to last at least until the end of the week, continues.