A former police officer accused of abusing his powers by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman will not be retried, as announced by the Crown Prosecution Service. The decision was made after careful consideration of all aspects of the case involving South Wales Police constable Paul Higgins. Higgins was accused of initiating a romantic relationship with a woman who was a victim of domestic violence and then allegedly persuading her to lie about the nature of their connection. He denied these claims and stated that they had briefly dated years before meeting again while he was on duty. The constable faced charges related to the misuse of police powers, unauthorized access to police systems, and perverting the course of justice. The case was heard at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, where Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke directed the jury to find Higgins not guilty on several counts. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on one charge, leading to their discharge. The CPS had the option to seek a retrial but has decided against it after considering all factors and consulting the complainant. A CPS spokesperson confirmed the conclusion, stating, “After taking all matters into consideration we decided not to seek a retrial.” PC Higgins has been suspended from duty since May 2021 when the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) initiated an investigation following a misconduct referral. The case highlights the complexities of police conduct and the legal processes involved in ensuring accountability within law enforcement agencies. The outcome of this case underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the police force and ensuring transparency in dealing with allegations of misconduct. The decision not to pursue a retrial will have implications for both the accused officer and the complainant, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and assessments in such sensitive matters. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in policing and the mechanisms in place to address breaches of trust and breaches of professional standards.