JAIL CHIEF FIRED FOR GROPING COLLEAGUE
Male victim felt ‘violated’ Boss denies claim and talking to lawyer
EXCLUSIVE
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Dan Warburton Andy Gardner
A MARRIED prison governor has been sacked after groping a male colleague during a night out, the Sunday People can reveal.
Paul Addicott was axed for “gross misconduct” after a probe. But he continues to deny the claims and is challenging the decision.
Witnesses claimed the dad-of-two, 36, grabbed a colleague’s crotch and was verbally abusive to others.
A source said: “Addicott dismissed it as high jinks, but the victim said he felt violated. It is a sad end to a glittering career.”
Addicott is said to have earned more than £60,000 a year as deputy governor of category B Wandsworth prison in South London, which holds about 1,600 inmates.
He is understood to have worked for the prison authorities for more than a decade.
Sexual
A message he posted about his job on the Linkedin social network said: “Emotional intelligence, collaboration, partnership and influencing are key transferable skills required to be an effective leader.”
Addicott was sacked following an internal investigation. There was no police inquiry. Our insider added: “The incident sent shock waves through Wandsworth jail.”
A Prison Service spokesman said: “A member of staff at HMP Wandsworth was dismissed following an investigation. We do not tolerate sexual misconduct.”
Speaking at his home in Sutton, Surrey, sacked Addicott told us: “The allegations made have been denied by me throughout and I am in the process of seeking legal advice with a view to challenging the decision to dismiss me.
“It would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.”
Official figures which came to light last year showed prison staff are being sacked at the rate of three a week, for offences including corruption, fraud and sex with inmates.
Some 1,121 officers and other employees were dismissed between 2014 and 2020.