Former Police Officer Jailed for Misconduct After Exploiting Family Violence Victims

Andrew Craig Adams, 53, a former Victoria Police senior constable, has been sentenced to five months in jail and a 12-month community corrections order for sexually motivated misconduct with four women he met while responding to family violence reports.

Overview of Offenses

Adams engaged in romantic and sexual conduct with four women he encountered during his duties between September 2020 and April 2021. At the time, he was stationed at the Corio police station.

He used police computer systems and his personal mobile phone to contact the women, initially offering support before pursuing sexual relationships. According to court proceedings, Adams met the women in secluded areas or visited their homes, attempting to engage in sexual activity.

One victim, identified by the pseudonym Amanda, reported that Adams messaged her late at night and attempted to meet her inappropriately. Another victim reported that Adams abused her trust and groomed her. An investigation found that Adams had saved victim contact details under false names in his phone.

Court Proceedings

On Tuesday, at a County Court hearing in Geelong, Judge Gerard Mullaly described the offending as "brazen," "calculated," and "sexually motivated," noting that it eroded community trust in police handling of family violence cases. The prosecution stated the conduct was "serious, criminal, sexually motivated and predatory," with lasting impacts on victims.

"This conduct was brazen, calculated, and sexually motivated. It eroded community trust in police handling of family violence cases."
— Judge Gerard Mullaly

During the hearing, Adams' barrister, Barnaby Johnston, attempted to present a letter from the Queensland Department of Housing as a character reference. The Department of Housing confirmed it had sent a letter to Adams regarding his work in the homelessness and housing sector in North Queensland, but stated it was unaware the letter would be used in court proceedings.

Following questioning from Judge Mullaly—who noted the author was likely unaware of its intended purpose in a case involving sexual misconduct allegations—the defence barrister withdrew the letter.

Background of Adams

Adams joined Victoria Police in 2013 after careers as a bank manager and youth pastor. He was a senior constable at Corio when the offenses occurred.

Previously, he had been involved in an affair with a parishioner while serving as a senior pastor at a Baptist church in Wallan.

Arrest and Current Circumstances

Adams was arrested in a park between Geelong and Melbourne in 2021 after arranging to meet a woman for sex. He moved to North Queensland in 2023 and works full-time for Northreach Baptist Church Townsville's community outreach arm. His role in that position prohibits him from being alone with people seeking rental homes.

Sentencing Details

Judge Mullaly noted the persistence of the offending, which ceased only upon Adams' arrest. The maximum penalty for each charge is 10 years' imprisonment.

Adams was sentenced to five months in prison, followed by a 12-month community corrections order with 120 hours of community service. He had returned to Victoria from Queensland to serve his sentence. The defence had argued for a community corrections order that, if granted, would be transferred to Queensland.