Misconduct hearing outcome for six officers
A misconduct hearing, directed by the IOPC, was held between 7 and 16 September at Grantham Police Station for Sgt James Rowe, PC Liam Elder, PC Laren Mounde, PC Hannah Sleath, SC Ellie Denton and SC Dillon Horgan.
- PC Hannah Sleath was found to have breached the following standards of professional behaviour:
- Discreditable Conduct
- Authority, Respect and Courtesy
- Use of Force
- Duties and Responsibilities
The Chair of the independent panel found the breaches proven and they amounted to gross misconduct. PC Sleath was given a final written warning which will last for five years.
It was found the officer breached the standards of professional behaviour when she conducted an intimate search of a vulnerable person, which was unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate.
- PC Liam Elder was found to have breached the following standard of professional behaviour:
- Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct
The Chair of the independent panel found the breach amounted to misconduct. PC Liam Elder was given a written warning.
It was determined that the officer breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour at the point he became aware that an unlawful search was being conducted and failed to challenge or query what was occurring.
The allegations of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Duties and Responsibilities, Use of Force and Discreditable Conduct were not proven.
- Sgt James Rowe - The allegations of Duties and Responsibilities and Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct against Sgt James Rowe were not proven.
- SC Ellie Denton and SC Dillon Horgan - The allegations of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Duties and Responsibilities, Use of Force and Discreditable Conduct were not proven.
- PC Laren Mounde - The allegations of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Duties and Responsibilities and Discreditable Conduct were not proven.
A full record of the hearing will be published when it is available.