Gross Misconduct Hearing Outcome

Today, Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Mark Webster, chaired a Gross Misconduct Hearing in relation to former student officer Thomas Gair.  

The outcome of that hearing determined that Thomas Gair would have been dismissed from the force with immediate effect, should he still have been serving.

This outcome also ensures that Gair will never be able to be part of the Police Service again.

In January 2022 Thomas Gair was a student officer with Cleveland Police studying to become a Police Constable. While still in his training phase, the force received a reports from officers that he was perpetrating domestic abuse against his partner.

Gair was swiftly arrested and suspended from duty.

During the criminal investigation, the force Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Team (DAST) successfully obtained a Stalking Prevention Order against Gair.

Cleveland Police were able to revoke Gair’s vetting and discharge him from the service, prior to the criminal proceedings.

In March 2023 Gair was convicted of five offences of Domestic Abuse that included a several assaults, stalking and coercive and controlling behaviour. He received a 5-year custodial sentence and 10-year restraining order.

Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner from the Department of Standards and Ethics said:

“The force’s proactive approach to revoking vetting ensured that Gair was removed from the police service as swiftly as possible.

“Cleveland Police will continue to impose rigorous processes in relation to any individuals who fall short of the standards of professional behaviour.

“No-one is above the law – especially those who are given the privilege of working to uphold it.”

The Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Mark Webster, today commended the bravery of the victim, and the courage of the officers who came forward in reporting the abuse.