A jury has found a Whanganui police officer not guilty of corruption.
Hayden Clifford Bradley had been on trial in the High Court in New Plymouth, accused of seeking sexual favours in exchange for letting a motorist off a disqualified driving offence.
There were cheers from Mr Bradley's family in the public gallery as the verdict was announced on Tuesday. It took the jury of seven women and five men two hours to decide.
The case centred around a series of conversations and text messages after Hayden Bradley stopped the woman, who has name suppression, in February 2012.
After discovering that she was lying about having a licence, Mr Bradley told her he wanted something in exchange for letting her off.
His lawyer argued that while Mr Bradley's behaviour was foolish as a married man, the officer had decided not to charge the woman before their conversation turned sexual.
Officer refused to make statement - witness
Earlier on Tuesday, the court was told that Hayden Bradley refused to make a statement or be formally interviewed by police.
Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Borrell said he asked Mr Bradley to come to the Whanganui police station in May 2012 to be interviewed.
Mr Borrell said Mr Bradley spoke to his lawyer at the station and then said he would not make a statement or be interviewed.
Mr Bradley was then informed he was under arrest and that police had a recording of a conversation between him and the complainant.
Woman praised
Outside court, district commander Superintendent Russell Gibson said although the jury did not find enough evidence to convict Hayden Bradley, his behaviour is disappointing and undermines the integrity of the police.
Mr Gibson said the woman showed enormous integrity and strength coming forward when she had nothing to gain.
He said an employment investigation will now assess Mr Bradley's suitability to remain in the police.
