A solicitor in the UK has been convicted of impersonating a police officer to obtain CCTV footage from a Nando’s restaurant in Warrington to investigate his ex-girlfriend, according to court records. Conor Johnstone. 34, used the alias ‘PC Matt Gregory’ from Cheshire Constabulary, claiming he was investigating an altercation between two customers. The court heard that he contacted the restaurant by phone and followed up with a convincing email from the address ‘[email protected]’, complete with the Cheshire Constabulary crest and a job title as ‘Family liaison officer with the domestic violence unit.’

Impersonation and Deception

Nando’s employee Gabby Ball told Leeds Magistrates Court that Johnstone ‘sounded professional and as though he knew what he was talking about.’ When the restaurant requested a data request form, Johnstone filled it out using his fake identity. The staff at Nando’s later contacted Cheshire Police after their replies to the email account bounced back, and were told that PC Gregory was not real.

The real police officers traced the account to Johnstone, whose debit card had been used to purchase the email domain name; Johnstone, the director of MAJ Law, claimed to the police that other people in his firm had access to his internet account and debit card. During his trial. He denied wanting to spy on his pregnant ex-partner and instead claimed she was behind the ruse.

Court Proceedings and Denial

Johnstone made a first appearance in Warrington Magistrates’ Court, where he entered a not guilty plea and was remanded on unconditional bail. The case was later transferred to Leeds Magistrates’ Court, where he appeared for a mention hearing on February 17. According to court records, Johnstone was found guilty by two magistrates who remained unconvinced by his claims. He is due to be sentenced next month.

Johnstone has announced his intention to appeal the ruling, according to reports. The court case has sparked discussions about the implications of impersonating law enforcement and the responsibilities of legal professionals. Nando’s staff had taken appropriate steps by contacting police after suspecting the email was fake, which led to the investigation and eventual conviction.

Background and Allegations

Connor Johnstone, a 34-year-old from Allostock, was charged with impersonating a police constable between July 22 and 25 last year. The alleged incident involved a call to Nando’s in Stockton Heath from a withheld number, with the caller purporting to be a Cheshire Police officer. Enquiries led officers to Johnstone, and he was later charged with the offense. The case highlights the legal and ethical boundaries for solicitors and the potential misuse of professional positions.