A former West Midlands Police officer has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to sharing confidential information with her convicted criminal boyfriend. Lorna Pennycook, 38, illegally accessed police databases between 2017 and 2021 to provide Anthony Kennedy, 43, with sensitive details that could have compromised active investigations.
Pennycook’s actions were described as stemming from an “infatuation” with Kennedy, whom she met on a dating site in 2016. Despite discovering his extensive criminal record—which includes 18 convictions for offenses such as vehicle theft—she continued the relationship and used her position as a police officer to support him. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Pennycook’s misconduct gave Kennedy an “advantage” and posed a risk to ongoing police work in the Sandwell area of Birmingham.
Misuse of Police Systems
While working with the West Midlands Police organized crime and gangs team, Pennycook accessed information about Kennedy, his vehicles, and other crime-related data. Her unauthorized searches included details about two heavy goods vehicle (HGV) thefts linked to Kennedy in 2017. Evidence presented in court showed that Pennycook was deeply attached to Kennedy, even attempting to contact him 81 times in one instance, of which he only responded to three calls.
Messages revealed that Kennedy initially attempted to end the relationship upon learning Pennycook’s profession, but she persuaded him to continue, stating, “You don’t choose who you love.” She further assured him she could assist him, despite his criminal background.
Efforts to Conceal Activities
To avoid detection, Pennycook advised Kennedy to delete incriminating messages and even requested he acquire a “burner” phone for their communications in 2021. The CPS indicated that Kennedy occasionally encouraged Pennycook to conduct illegal database searches. Despite these influences, prosecutors emphasized that Pennycook’s actions were a betrayal of public trust.
Legal Consequences
Pennycook, of Walsall, pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in public office in March 2023. On Thursday, she was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court. Kennedy, of Tipton, admitted in March 2024 to encouraging or assisting offenses, believing they would be committed. He was also sentenced to four years in prison.
Statements from Authorities
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS’s special crime division, said: “Lorna Pennycook became infatuated with Anthony Kennedy, and provided him with extremely sensitive information over four years. There is evidence that Kennedy encouraged her to conduct the criminal searches, but Pennycook must also take responsibility for her shameful actions.”
Steve Noonan, director of operations for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), condemned Pennycook’s behavior as a “complete betrayal of the public’s trust.” He added, “Her actions were corrupt and criminal. Abusing her position of power to assist criminal activity has no place in policing.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of breaching public trust and highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold integrity within the police force.
