Police officer accused of string of offences including sexual assaults and ... trends now
A highly-regarded police officer who ran an award-winning cadet unit used it as a 'grooming playground' for his 'sexual gratification', a court heard.
Adnan Ali allegedly took advantage of 'inadequate oversight' by commanders to target 'young and vulnerable people'.
The 36-year-old Greater Manchester Police constable is accused of 20 offences, including sexual assaults, sending indecent messages and misconduct in public office.
His trial began today at Liverpool Crown Court, where Anne Whyte, KC, prosecuting, said the alleged offences took place as he dramatically expanded his group in Trafford, Manchester, from 30 to 130 youngsters.
She said: 'He exploited the freedom he was given and the over-recruitment of cadets to commit sexual assaults and indulge in sexual and suggestive communications with young and vulnerable people who looked up to him.'
Adnan Ali, 36, pictured, arriving at Liverpool Magistrates Court last August
During Ali's time in charge of Trafford Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme, it won numerous local and national awards, the court was told.
Jurors heard there was, however, a darker side to Ali's activities.
'Due to his own behaviour and Greater Manchester Police's failure to monitor it, the Trafford Cadet Scheme became something of a grooming playground for Adnan Ali,' the prosecutor added.
The cadet group – which recruited members aged 13-17 - was only 'supposed to have about 30 members' – less than a quarter of its size at the time of Ali's arrest, the court heard.
But Ms Whyte said: 'The increased numbers of cadets no doubt increased his opportunities to flirt, to test the waters and to act inappropriately.
Adnan Ali is facing a trial at Liverpool Crown Court (stock image)
'Perhaps his own head was turned by his earlier success as an officer and by his popularity as a cadet leader. All of this coupled with his unrestrained sexual
