Statement following Accelerated Gross Misconduct Hearing

On Tuesday 30^th January, Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Mark Webster, chaired an Accelerated Gross Misconduct Hearing in relation to Detective Constable Lee Busby.

DC Busby faced three allegations that his conduct breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct and honesty and integrity.

The outcome of that hearing determined that Detective Constable Busby would have been dismissed from the force with immediate effect, should he not already be serving a prison sentence.

This outcome also ensures that he will never be able to be part of the police service again.

The officer was convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court on 28^th September 2023 following a criminal trial into perverting the course of justice, for which he received an 18-month prison sentence.

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

“Following DC Busby’s criminal conviction, the force took swift action to carry out this hearing and ensure that he cannot work within the police service again.

“The hearing found that DC Busby would have been immediately dismissed from the force, had he still been serving.

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