A VICTIM of domestic violence, who was battered by an ex-lover and then allegedly told to just go to the station by the police officer she approached for help, has won a £1,000 payout from the force – and the PC was sacked.

Occupational therapy assistant, Michelle Hutchings, 28, said she fled her home in Malvern with her son after the attack, but spotted a marked police car by a Greggs bakery in the town and asked PC Andrew Wright for help.

But Michelle, who was clutching her young son to her chest, said she was directed to Malvern Police Station when she approached PC Wright, who told her that he would ring ahead on her behalf.

Michelle said: “I was shaken and upset and really wanted help, but he just told me to drive to the police station.

“When I got there I pressed the intercom, but there was no answer and I ended up hiding behind a nearby wall for 20 minutes as I was terrified that I would be tracked down and attacked again.

“The attack left me in fear for my life. I was bruised all over my body after he had ripped the wardrobe door off and threw me on the bed during the attack.

“I was very upset and distressed and my son was in shock – we desperately needed assistance and someone to look after us, but the officer wasn’t too interested in helping.

“He told us ‘The best bet is to get yourself up to Malvern Police Station and I will let them know you are coming.’

“I was really surprised that he wasn’t prepared to accompany us to the police station, but I headed off there as instructed. It was terrifying just waiting.”

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Following the incident on May 21, 2017, Michelle sought help from solicitor Emma Grantham, of Russell and Co in Malvern, who specialises in cases against the police, and the Malvern mum was paid £1,000 compensation by West Mercia Police.

‘”This is a clear case that demonstrates the police’s failure to protect a member of the public,” said Emma.

“There can be no doubt that the failure of the police caused Michelle to suffer significant distress and anxiety in a situation where she was already incredibly vulnerable.

“We are very pleased that the police have acknowledged their failings and we wish Michelle all the very best for the future.

“Michelle was absolutely terrified and in fear for her life, but PC Wright pretty much disregarded her vulnerability.

“We are delighted the police have settled this case out of court and the officer concerned has been dismissed without notice following a misconduct hearing.

“It was clear that his negligence exacerbated Michelle’s distress and anxiety, which needed to be considered as a matter of urgency.

“We are glad the case was settled without having to issue court proceedings as this was a very clear breach of Michelle’s rights under section 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and personal injury.

“West Mercia Police wrote to Michelle via us saying: ‘[PC Wright’s dismissal] was as a result of a number of allegations with the incident involving yourself being identified as the officer’s worst failing.”

Regarding former PC Mr Wright, a spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “The officer was dismissed on September 14, 2018 after a gross misconduct hearing determined that a number of allegations against him were proven.

“We can confirm that the claim was settled by the police. West Mercia Police did thereafter arrest the perpetrator of the domestic violence who later pleaded guilty to assaulting the victim and causing criminal damage to her property.”

Mr Wright had serves as a constable for 20 years. The allegations against him were that he failed to properly investigate and appropriately record incidents between May and July 2017.

The public misconduct hearing took place between Tuesday, September 11, and Friday, September 14 in 2018 at the police’s Hindlip base.

It was conducted by Harry Ireland, an independent, legally-qualified chair, and followed an investigation by the professional standards department. The panel determined that six allegations against the officer were proven.

Superintendent Helena Bennett, head of the professional standards department, said afterwards: “The misconduct hearing found that the behaviour of PC Andrew Wright fell below the standards we expect from our officers and staff and amounted to a breach of the standards of honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities, equality and diversity and discreditable conduct. This fell outside the expectations made clear in our code of ethics.”