Affair scandal police force denies sexism at tribunal
A POLICE force whose chief constable was allegedly punched over an affair is not a “boys’ club” riddled with discrimination, a tribunal was told yesterday.
Angus Moon QC, representing Northumbria Police, made the claim as he quizzed former chief constable Sue Sim, 53.
He told the tribunal in North Shields, Tyneside: “The allegations that Northumbria Police was a boys’ club or there was a general discriminatory ill-treatment of women is disputed.”
Mrs Sim was giving evidence to support senior lawyer Denise Aubrey, who has brought a claim against the force after she was sacked for gross misconduct in 2014.
Mrs Sim told how initially she had “flipped” when she found out the lawyer had disclosed confidential information about an alleged affair involving her predecessor Mike Craik. But the former chief constable said she had changed her position and was now backing Ms Aubrey.
Mr Craik is said to have lied about the affair with assistant chief constable Carolyn Peacock. He was later punched in the face at a barbecue by her husband Jim.
The tribunal was told that Ms Aubrey, 54, had advised Mr Craik about keeping the affair out of the media but had later breached his confidence by gossiping about it.
Mr Moon asked Mrs Sim if she was lying to “help” her friend Ms Aubrey.
Mrs Sim replied: “I’m not lying and she’s not my friend.”
Mrs Sim led the manhunt for crazed gunman Raoul Moat back in 2010.
The tribunal continues.