Woman paid £40k after officers used ‘unlawful force’
A SERGEANT WAS DISMISSED AND THEN LATER REINSTATED
A WOMAN has been paid £40,000 compensation by Nottinghamshire Police after two officers unlawfully arrested her in her home.
Nottinghamshire Police have admitted the officers used unlawful force against the woman during an incident on April 24, 2017, for which she has now won compensation in a civil case.
One of the officers was dismissed for gross misconduct, but got his job back after appealing the sanction twice, as reported by the BBC.
The woman, called Sharon, told the BBC she only complained initially because she did not believe the two men were genuine police officers.
Sgt Jonathan Flint and
PC Richard Elliott were called to the house after a bailiff, who been sent to collect an outstanding debt, alleged two of Sharon’s family members had stolen a parcel from his car.
When Nottinghamshire Police’s professional standards department investigated Sharon’s complaint, it concluded both officers had a case to answer for misconduct.
Sharon appealed to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after not being satisfied with this outcome, which partially upheld the appeal.
It agreed with Nottinghamshire Police that PC Elliott should attend a misconduct meeting, but said Sgt Flint should have to attend a hearing for gross misconduct, which is more serious.
Sharon gave evidence at this hearing and 12 of the 13 allegations were found proven, with Sgt Flint dismissed as a result.
However, he was reinstated and issued a final written warning after Sgt Flint appealed twice to the Police Appeals Tribunal.
The force’s boss said Nottinghamshire Police “deeply regret” Sharon’s suffering and that he was disappointed with the result of the Police Appeals Tribunal.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “The officer concerned was initially dismissed by an independent legally qualified panel chair after gross misconduct was found.
“The officer appealed to the independent Police Appeals Tribunal (PAT) where his sanction was reduced to a final written warning and he was reinstated.
“The force successfully challenged the PAT’S decision making at Judicial Review.
“The case was then remitted back to the PAT, who then issued a final written warning. Though disappointed, I respect the PAT’S decision.
“The subsequent financial settlement made to Sharon was absolutely necessary, correct and the right thing to do. The force deeply regrets any suffering that has been caused to Sharon.
“We will always take these matters extremely seriously and I was very disappointed with the outcome of the appeal.
“Since this incident five years ago, I have ensured that body-worn cameras are issued on a personal basis to all our frontline staff.
“You can be assured that if any officer falls below the high standards expected of them, they will find themselves subject to a misconduct hearing. It is paramount that the public has complete trust and confidence in my officers.”
The force deeply regrets any suffering that has been caused to Sharon. Chief Constable Craig Guildford