Statement regarding Misconduct Hearing

Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner, Head of Counter Corruption Unit and Vetting, said: “I understand that the off-duty conduct of former officer, Mr Woof, will shock and concern the public. That same shock and concern has been felt by the dedicated and hardworking officers and staff who serve the Force, day and night, 365 days of the year.

“We have no place in our organisation for anyone who perpetrates violence against women and girls.

“The work of the Counter Corruption Unit in tackling this problem, by rooting out bad officers and staff through misconduct processes and vetting is part of the force’s robust approach to ensuring high standards of policing.

“I will endeavour to ensure that our approach is transparent and visible to the public. Mr Woof resigned prior to a hearing, however, we continued to pursue him as a former officer and successfully challenged the request of a private hearing.

“Today’s outcome of gross misconduct found by the panel, with a sanction that Mr Woof would have been dismissed from the police service if still serving, protects both the public and the police service by barring him from future employment within the service.”