Complainant hits out at comments made on police chief ’s behalf
One of the complainants against Scotland’s most senior officer has criticised “inappropriate” comments made on the chief constable’s behalf.
It was confirmed yesterday that a fourth investigation has been launched into gross misconduct allegations against Phil Gormley.
Mr Gormley’s lawyer last night released a statement calling the latest allegation “spurious and contrived”.
One of those to have made allegations against the chief constable hit out at a newspaper article in which Mr Gormley’s wife, Claire, said she felt “compelled to speak out” after seeing her husband “vilified”.
The source, who did not want to be named, said there was“frustration”atcomments coming from Mr Gormley’s family and lawyers, while those behind the allegations have been unable to speak out. Yesterday it emerged Mr Gormley has yet to be interviewed by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) despite being on leave and continuing to collect his £214,000-a-year salary since September.
Despite the complaints, it emerged last month that the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) had approved Mr Gormley’s return to work before an “intervention” by justice secretary Michael Matheson.
The SPA board took the decision without consulting either the Pirc or Police Scotland about the chief constable resuming his duties.
Writing in a national newspaper, Mrs Gormley, herself a former police officer, said: “No one disputes the seriousness of bullying, but to ensure fairness to both the accused and the accuser, I interviewed key witnesses as soon as possible, obtaining untainted and relevant evidence.”
In such cases she said she had “searched for the truth” but added: “I have seen little evidence of this concerning my husband, who seven months after the first allegation was made, has still not been interviewed.”
In a statement, Mr Gormley’s lawyer said: “For the last seven months Mr Gormley has been ready to give evidence in his defence.
“As yet he has not been afforded that opportunity.
“The prejudice to our client in his unique position as the most senior officer in Police Scotland is readily apparent.”
The Pirc said it had been “right and proper” to wait until it had spoken to witnesses before interviewing Mr Gormley, with a request having now been made.
Meanwhile, the Pirc has confirmed it is carrying out a third investigation into Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, who is currently suspended.
Mr Higgins denies any wrongdoing.