News / Crime
Police chief found guilty of misconduct
Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Nick Gargan has been found guilty of eight charges of misconduct but will be returning to work with his suspension now lifted.
Gargan faced 10 charges of gross misconduct, three charges of misconduct and has been found guilty of eight at a level of misconduct.
Misconduct panel chair Dorian Lovell-Pank QC will now write a report of the panel’s findings and will recommend any sanctions the Chief Constable should face to Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.
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Details of what Gargan has been found guilty of will only be made public after the sanctions hearing. Because he was not found guilty of gross misconduct he cannot be dismissed or demoted. Sanctions available include receiving a written warning or management advice.
Avon and Somerset’s senior officer was suspended in May 2013 after allegations were made of inappropriate behaviour towards women.
Gargan, who denied any wrongdoing, also faced an internal charge over improper disclosure of information and was also investigated after he gave names of officers facing criminal charges to a newspaper.
In a statement, Gargan said: “I accept the findings of the panel and apologise that my actions have fallen below the standards expected of a chief constable. I am pleased that the more serious gross misconduct allegations were found not to be proven including any allegation of inappropriate advances towards female colleagues. I am relieved and very pleased that my suspension is at an end.
“I await the panel chair’s report and my meeting with the police and crime commissioner, and will have no further comment to make until then.”
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