Now embattled chief constable faces FIFTH gross misconduct probe
SCOTLAND’S Chief Constable is facing a fifth investigation into an allegation of gross misconduct.
The probe relates to a complaint against Phil Gormley from the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), representing rank-and-file officers, over a claim of ‘dishonesty’.
It was sent to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), which has referred the grievance to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).
The PIRC is already looking at four other complaints of gross misconduct relating to Mr Gormley’s behaviour, including claims of bullying, which he denies.
Two other bullying complaints were sent to the SPA, meaning a total of seven complaints have been made, with five in the hands of the PIRC, led by former prosecutor Kate Frame.
Last night, a spokesman for Mr Gormley’s legal team Burness Paull LLP said: ‘Our client entirely denies this latest historic allegation, which relates to a meeting that occurred over five months ago.
‘It is extraordinary that the allegation has emerged at such a late stage and reaffirms our concerns as to the process for making and investigating complaints against the Chief Constable.’
A PIRC spokesman said: ‘The Commissioner has received five misconduct referrals about the Chief Constable from the SPA in the past six months, all of which are currently being investigated.
‘Once each investigation is concluded, the Commissioner will submit a report to the SPA containing a summary of evidence and an opinion on whether the misconduct allegations should be referred to a misconduct hearing.’
The new complaint alleges ‘dishonesty’ at an important internal police meeting.
SPF vice-chairman David Hamilton said last week that it could not comment as ‘the matter is now under inquiry’.
Policing sources said there were strict rules about the integrity of the office of Chief Constable and the SPA would be duty-bound to assess a claim of ‘dishonesty’.
Earlier this month, Mr Gormley’s wife Claire, a former senior police officer, told the Mail her husband
‘Matter is now under inquiry’
was the victim of a ‘disproportionate fishing expedition’.
She also described the sixth complaint against Mr Gormley – from Police Scotland IT chief Martin Leven – as a ‘cynical manoeuvre’ and criticised alleged PIRC delays in interviewing her husband.
Last night, a PIRC spokesman said: ‘In response to a request by the PIRC in December, the Chief Constable has now provided a list of dates detailing his availability and our investigators are working to facilitate these interviews.’
There have been seven complaints against Mr Gormley since last July.
Mr Gormley, 54, took over at Police Scotland in January 2016 after negative headlines about the force, which was created in April 2013. His pred- ecessor, Sir Stephen House, quit in August 2015 amid a series of scandals.
In July, Superintendent Graham McInarlin, who worked in Mr Gormley’s staff office, complained about the chief’s behaviour, which allegedly included shouting and swearing.
A bullying claim made by Inspector Aimée Canavan is also under investigation by the PIRC.
A third PIRC bullying probe followed in September after a complaint by Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham.
Mr Gormley stepped aside following Mr Graham’s complaint, to begin his ‘special leave’.
The SPF criticised Mr Gormley last year after he sought permission from the SPA to carry out a child protection review for the Londonbased National Police Chiefs Council while on gardening leave.