Policeman lied about affair with colleague

A POLICE superintendent would not have been guilty of gross misconduct over an affair with a colleague if he had told the truth, a tribunal has found.

Nick Lyall was asked about an alleged affair with a member of police staff in a meeting with senior colleagues who had concerns it was an abuse of his rank and influence.

The officer, who had sent sexualised text messages on his work phone, initially denied the relationship, and then went on to repeat the lie to a further two senior officers in the following days.

He subsequently admitted the relationship and claimed he had l i ed because he panicked when questioned.

Following a three-week hearing at Wyboston, Beds, a misconduct panel found that, while the relationship was not deemed inappropriate, the lies breached the standards of behaviour for honesty, integrity and discreditable conduct, which amounted to gross misconduct.

The panel said he was guilty of discreditable conduct amounting to gross misconduct by engaging in sexualised text messaging on his work phone. He had wiped the phone in a bid to cover up the communications. Sharn Basra, temporary Asst Chief Constable, said: “We expect all of our officers, but particularly senior members of the force, to lead by example and set the highest levels of integrity.

“Supt Nick Lyall’s behaviour fell well short of the standards we expect and this case shows we will not tolerate such behaviour.”

A further two charges were dismissed during the hearing.

Supt Lyall remains suspended pending the outcome of a further hearing to decide on the sanctions.