Police chief faces hearing over recruitment of boss’s daughter

Cleveland chief Sean Price will face a hearing similar to that faced by former North Yorkshire chief constable Grahame Maxwell last year.

Mr Price has strenuously denied any wrongdoing,

Cleveland Police Authority last night confirmed it has referred the findings of an Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation to a full hearing.

Under disciplinary regulations, the referral means Mr Price will be facing the most serious level of allegation, though it remains open to the hearing to deliver a lesser finding of misconduct or to clear Mr Price entirely.

Mr Maxwell received a final written warning after ultimately admitting gross misconduct at a disciplinary hearing.

The allegation surrounds Mr Price’s involvement in the appointment of the daughter of former Cleveland Police Authority chairman Dave McLuckie to a clerical role at the force in 2008.

At the same time, the Crown Prosecution Service is set to consider whether to charge Mr Price, who lives in North Yorkshire, and his deputy Derek Bonnard with misconduct having been passed a separate file by the IPCC which managed an inquiry into allegations against them.

Both men were suspended from office following their arrest last August as part of a long-running inquiry into alleged corruption and misconduct at Cleveland Police, Operation Sacristy, which is largely staffed by North Yorkshire Police with support from West Yorkshire. The same file was also sent to Cleveland Police Authority and no decision has been made by either body on what further action, if any, may be taken.

Both Mr Bonnard and Mr Price have denied wrongdoing and have launched civil action against North and West Yorkshire Police forces in connection with their role in their arrests, claiming they were unlawful.

They are also suing Mr Bristow, and Warwickshire Police, where Mr Bristow was formerly chief constable.

In a statement, Cleveland Police Authority said: “Cleveland Police Authority can confirm it has received a file from the Independent Police Complaints Commission relating to conduct allegations made against Chief Constable Sean Price and Deputy Chief Constable Derek Bonnard.

“The investigation was conducted under IPCC management by Mr Keith Bristow, Director General (Designate) of the National Crime Agency.”

It adds: “Cleveland Police Authority has also received a report from the IPCC relating to an independent investigation carried out into conduct allegations relating to allegations that Mr Price used undue influence to have an individual appointed to a role within the force.

“This report has now been considered by the Authority’s Professional Standards Panel and Sub-Committee and the matter will be referred to a full hearing.”

In a statement, Mr Price said: “I am sure the public are concerned that we have been suspended on full pay for such a long time with no criminal charges being brought.

“I share that concern and frustration. I would much rather be back doing the job I love.”

Mr Bonnard said: “I am determined to clear my name and return to work. I am at a loss as to why it is taking so long to deal with the criminal investigation.”

In its statement, the IPCC confirmed it had passed the file to the police authority and the CPS.

“The investigation was conducted under IPCC management by Keith Bristow, Director General (Designate) of the National Crime Agency. Mr Bristow is continuing with his separate criminal investigation, Operation Sacristy, into allegations against Mr Price, Mr Bonnard and others.”