A former Surrey Police Sergeant was jailed, removed from his job and left homeless after another officer lied about being the victim of domestic abuse.
Matt Taylor, 35, has spoken out about the “catastrophic” impact of false allegations made against him by his ex-partner, Police Constable Amanda Aston, 43, who finally was found guilty on 23 March 2023, of perverting the course of justice and fraud after she lied about being a victim of domestic abuse.
Aston, 43, was found guilty following a three-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court.
Police say the trial heard how Aston, who worked out of Guildford police station, began a relationship with former Sergeant Matt Taylor, in February 2017.
Former Sergeant caught in the web of lies of his ex-partner
During their relationship, she reportedly told colleagues she had been the victim of domestic abuse, making false allegations of control and abuse about him during a 57-page witness statement and a video recorded interview.
Mr Taylor was arrested and charged with engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour.
He was released on bail with the condition being not to contact Aston. But the court heard she repeatedly encouraged him to breach these conditions, before reporting him for said breaches.
Mr Taylor was arrested for breaching his bail and spent two months in prison. He was also dismissed from Surrey Police following a misconduct hearing.
However, police say evidence later emerged suggesting Aston had withheld key information from the investigating officers. The case against Mr Taylor was subsequently dropped and he was released from prison.
The investigation into Aston analysed more than 23,000 social media and phone app messages between the pair. Police say it showed she lied about his behaviour and provided false statements that led to his arrest.
During the investigation it was established Aston also made a false application for a £5,000 grant from the Police Welfare Fund in June 2018 by claiming she had suffered financial hardship as a result of having to move home several times due to Mr Taylor’s alleged behaviour.
Following careful consideration by the Crown Prosecution Service and the Director of Public Prosecutions Office, Aston was charged with two counts of perverting the course of justice and one count of fraud by false representation.
Chief Superintendent Tom Budd, from Surrey Police, said: “The guilty verdict follows a challenging and complex investigation against one of our serving officers which uncovered the web of lies Aston had constructed purely because she knew the impact it would have on Mr Taylor.
“As well as having to serve time in prison, Mr Taylor also lost his job as a police officer and his reputation was left in tatters as a result of her lies.”
“I still have nightmares about it”
Mr Taylor said he had no idea his arrest was coming and that he had been left “effectively homeless” due to the conditions he was bailed on. “I was torn away from the woman with whom I thought I was in a loving relationship, removed from my current job role with immediate effect, and now faced the prospect of losing my entire career.”
The former Sergeant went on to describe how he “hit rock bottom” in court when he was sent to prison due to the risk he posed.
He continued: “Fast forward to the moment I ended up in that cell in HMP Winchester, the moment that door locked and the wing closed, the moment I realised the danger I was in. I still have nightmares about it.”
Matt described how policing meant “everything” to him and had done for 12 years up to the point he became a commended Sergeant at the age of 29.
“I was very good at it. I used to be an extremely confident individual,” he said as he outlined aspirations for further promotions.
“It all ended so suddenly. My reputation was destroyed overnight.”
Now he said the truth has been heard, Matt described feeling “huge relief” and said: “This deep pit of anxiety I have felt every morning I wake up for the past 5 years has finally relinquished its hold on me.”
He added: “I’m still extremely angry about the wrongs that were done, and these need to be put right for me to have closure.”
“We will be taking disciplinary action against Aston”
Chief Superintendent Tom Budd said: “Allegations of domestic abuse against any of our officers or staff are always fully investigated and we would always support any officer or member of staff who is a genuine victim. Sadly, on this occasion, this was not the case.”
He continued: “Criminal offences committed by our officers and staff simply cannot be condoned. Allegations against any of our officers or staff are always subject to a thorough investigation by our Professional Standards Department to ensure that those who do not meet the high standards expected of them to in order to maintain public trust and confidence are dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“Now that the court case has concluded, we will be taking disciplinary action against Aston which will determine whether she has breached the policing standards of professional behaviour.”
A spokesperson for the force added: “Following the conclusion of the trial and guilty verdict against Amanda Aston, in addition to taking disciplinary action against Aston, Surrey Police will also now carefully consider if any other action needs to be taken.”
Aston will be sentenced on 22 May at Maidstone Crown Court.
(Source: SurreyLive)
(Image: Matt Taylor)
