Statement after Gross Misconduct Hearing

Following a hearing which has today (Thursday 12th October) led to a former Cleveland Police Sergeant being found guilty of gross misconduct, Cleveland Police Head of Directorate of Standards and Ethics made a statement.

Acting Superintendent John Bonner, Acting Head of Directorate of Standards and Ethics, said:

“Cleveland Police’s Counter Corruption Unit has robust processes in place to manage and monitor officers and staff who are considered to pose a risk of perpetrating sexual misconduct as part of Operation Beacon. The approach was praised by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) during their inspection of the effectiveness of vetting and counter-corruption arrangements in Cleveland Police (published June 2023).

“Former officer, Michael Wilson, was being monitored and managed through Operation Beacon. This led to the Counter Corruption Unit conducting an intervention with him in February 2021. Both Michael Wilson and his supervisors were warned that his conduct was being monitored, he was reminded of the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

“Despite the intervention he went on to abuse his power for a sexual purpose with a vulnerable victim of domestic abuse. His supervisors were aware of the concerns due to the Beacon intervention so when they became aware of the allegations they reported them to the Counter Corruption Unit immediately. Less than 24 hours after the report Cleveland Police referred the allegations to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and suspended him from duty.

“Cleveland Police worked in collaboration with the IOPC to investigate the misconduct. Despite resigning, the investigation continued seeking justice and Mr Wilson’s barring from the Police service.

“There can be fewer greater betrayals by a Police officer when they choose to abuse their power to develop an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable victim of crime. The panel found that Mr Wilson betrayed the trust of Ms A and the public.

“Mr Wilson does not represent the vast majority of hard working and honest Police officers. Today’s finding of Gross Misconduct and sanction of dismissal, had he still been serving, ensures that he will never again be able to represent the Police service in any capacity.

“I would like to thank the IOPC for their support in bringing this case to a hearing.”