Chief constable ‘frustrated’ by his suspension

Expenses claimed by Stuart Hyde, Cumbria’s chief officer, form part of an ongoing investigation being carried out by South Wales Police into allegations surrounding his conduct which began last autumn.

The suspension of the former senior West Yorkshire detective is being reviewed on a monthly basis by Cumbria Police Commissioner Richard Rhodes who has again extended Mr Hyde’s absence from work.

In a statement, Mr Hyde, who has denied any wrongdoing, said: “I understand that the PCC has reviewed my suspension and I remain deeply frustrated and disappointed that my suspension continues. I firmly believe it could now be concluded with me back at work serving the people of Cumbria. I will be making representations to be allowed to return to work as soon as possible.

“I have fully co-operated with the inquiry and will continue to do so irrespective of the time and cost involved to all parties.

“I reiterate my wish to return to Cumbria Constabulary and I emphasise that I do not hold any ill-feeling to anyone who has provided any information to this investigation. My ambition is to return to being productive for the people of Cumbria and for policing nationally.”

Mr Rhodes said Mr Hyde, who stepped up from deputy to chief constable on a temporary basis in January 2012, would remain suspended while South Wales Police continued the investigation.

A statement from the commissioner said: “South Wales Police are investigating allegations made about the standards of Stuart Hyde’s professional behaviour in his activities whilst at Cumbria Constabulary. Wide-ranging enquiries have been necessary, which have included interviewing a number of witnesses as well as collating and analysing a considerable volume of documentary evidence. It is for this reason that the external investigation remains ongoing.

“I stress that suspension is a neutral act that will enable a full and thorough investigation by South Wales Police to take place.”

Last month, the Yorkshire Post revealed Mr Hyde claimed £291 to pay for first class rail travel and an overnight stay to attend a meeting of the University of Birmingham Guild of Students in January 2010.

Mr Hyde, who lives in Ilkley, graduated from Birmingham University in 1983 and latterly became a trustee of the student body. He was a trustee when he claimed public money to attend the meeting but has since resigned the position.

South Wales Police were appointed by Cumbria Police Authority in October to carry out an inquiry into other unspecified conduct allegations but the inquiry has since expanded to include expenses claims.

Spending on a corporate credit card also included hundreds of pounds on hotels and other items for which Cumbria Police held no recorded explanation.

Mr Hyde was suspended in September over unspecified allegations about his management. The conduct allegations were referred by Cumbria Police Authority to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who, after initial investigation, decided they were not serious enough to warrant the IPCC’s involvement.

It is understood the allegations came from officers in the Cumbria force but the IPCC was unable to substantiate the claims. The matter was referred back to Cumbria Police Authority in October which appointed the South Wales force to carry out an inquiry.

The police authority was replaced by newly-elected police commissioner Richard Rhodes in November.

Mr Hyde has said he could not comment in detail while the investigation was ongoing but added: “I remain confident my expenditure has not been improper.”