Concern as police ‘sex attack’ claim unresolved
CONCERN has been expressed over the length of time it is taking for Gwent Police to resolve an allegation of sexual assault made against a high-ranking officer following an incident at a Chief Constable’s leaving do.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Warrender, head of the force’s CID, was suspended after a female officer claimed he had assaulted her.
Acting Assistant Chief Constable Marc Budden was also suspended for alleged misconduct concerning the handling of the incident
The pair were accused following the leaving party of former Chief Constable Julian Williams as he left the £138,500-a-year role in June 2019.
In March this year it was decided that the men would not face criminal charges, but the force was left to decide whether or not disciplinary action should be brought against them.
An investigation was carried out by Avon and Somerset Police and directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) before evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
A CPS spokesman said in March: “Following a referral of evidence by the IOPC regarding the alleged conduct of two senior police officers, the CPS has decided that our legal test is not met to charge them with any offence. We considered the offence of sexual assault against one officer and misconduct in public office and the improper exercise of police powers against the second officer.”
It added that the role of the CPS was to make “fair and independent decisions based on the available evidence” and that the complainant had the right to seek a review of their decision.
An IOPC spokesman said, also in
March: “We have been advised by the CPS of its decision not to bring any criminal charges against any Gwent Police officers over their conduct associated with a social event in Cardiff in June 2019.
“At the conclusion of the investigation… a full file of evidence was sent to the CPS for consideration last year.
“We will now be discussing with Gwent Police potential disciplinary proceedings.”
Last month a Gwent Police spokesman told the Western Mail: “Proceedings are still under consideration.”
This week Gwent Police confirmed that the matter remains unresolved. A spokeswoman for the force said: “There is no update.”
Chief Superintendent Warrender joined the force in 1996 and is the head of the criminal investigation department.
Acting Assistant Chief Constable Budden joined the force in 1993 and was in charge of neighbourhood policing, partnerships and uniform operations before becoming temporary assistant chief constable.
The farewell party began at the force HQ in Cwmbran before moving on to a nightspot in Cardiff.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru’s spokeswoman on social justice and equalities, said: “Against the backdrop of recent events it is crucial that public trust in the police is maintained and all accusations of this nature, against those at all levels of authority, are thoroughly and exhaustively examined.
“It’s vitally important that all cases involving allegations of sexual assault are resolved swiftly.”