Policeman sacked for cuddling suspect

The unnamed 36-year-old Cleveland Police constable was fired following a disciplinary hearing which found he inappropriately touched a woman who had been arrested in Stockton-on-Tees in August 2011.

The police watchdog said the Pc’s behaviour implied he would help the suspect if she accepted his sexual advances.

Last Thursday, Sean Price, 55, who lives in North Yorkshire, was sacked as the force’s Chief Constable for gross misconduct after he was found to have lied to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and tried to get a member of staff to back him up. That matter concerned the recruitment of the then police authority chairman’s daughter to a civilian role.

The sacked constable was investigated after the suspected shoplifter made an allegation, and the IPCC launched an inquiry.

A disciplinary hearing found last week that he had abused his position as a police officer, acted without honesty and integrity and behaved unprofessionally.

On his own admission, the officer made contact with the complainant by giving her a cuddle and this act was deemed wholly inappropriate and in the circumstances was considered an act
of gross misconduct, the IPCC said.

As a result, the officer faced a disciplinary hearing and was dismissed without notice.

The constable had been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault but was released without charge, Cleveland Police said.