Ex-sergeant to answer sex allegation

A FORMER Avon & Somerset police sergeant faces a misconduct hearing for allegedly having sex with a vulnerable member of the public while on duty.

The officer is also accused of lying to a custody sergeant about his own medical history.

A publicity notice for the hearing, which will be held in public at force headquarters in Portishead, says that if the allegations against the officer, who has not been named, are proven, it is contended that they would amount to gross misconduct.

It says: “It is alleged that former PS W has breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers, specifically the standards of honesty and integrity, and discreditable conduct.

“It is alleged that former PS W had sexual relations with a vulnerable member of the public whilst on duty [and] gave untruthful answers to a police custody sergeant in relation to his own medical history.”

An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “The Legally Qualified Chair (LQC) has given interim anonymity to the officer subject to this misconduct hearing, which is due to start on Monday, August 15, 2022. The LQC is due to make a decision on anonymity on the first day of the hearing following representations by any interested parties.”