PC Dismissed after Gross Misconduct Hearing

On Monday 17th February 2025, student officer PC Leanne Counter was dismissed by Cleveland Police following a gross misconduct hearing.

The hearing followed an allegation that on 26th December (Boxing Day) 2023, whilst off-duty, the officer punched a woman several times causing injury.

An investigation following the report of the incident found that PC Counter’s actions amounted to gross misconduct. The allegation was proved and upheld at yesterday’s hearing and the officer was dismissed without notice. It was found that the officer breached the standard of discreditable conduct.

Inspector Simon Clark from Cleveland Police Directorate of Standards and Ethics Department said: “PC Counter’s actions were unacceptable and in direct conflict with the standards of behaviour expected by our police officers. In addition, PC Counter showed a complete disregard for the privileged position that a police officer holds. 

“The officer was in training school when the incident occurred, nonetheless her actions were serious enough to justify immediate dismissal from the organisation. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”