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Misconduct Chief Constable Nick Gargan to return to job | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Nick Gargan has been found guilty of eight charges of misconduct but will be allowed to return to work. | |
Mr Gargan, 48, was suspended following allegations of data protection breaches and inappropriate behaviour with women. | |
A panel found him guilty of misconduct - but cleared him of gross misconduct. | |
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said Mr Gargan's suspension would be lifted and a phased return to work prepared. | |
In a statement, Mr Gargan said he accepted the panel's findings and apologised that his "actions" had "fallen below the standards expected of a chief constable". | |
"I am pleased that the more serious gross misconduct allegations were found not to be proven, including any allegation of inappropriate advances towards female colleagues," he said. | |
"I am relieved and very pleased that my suspension is at an end." | |
'Concerned officers' | |
Mr Gargan, who has been suspended since May 2014, faced 10 charges of gross misconduct and three charges of misconduct. The PCC said he was found guilty of eight charges at a level of misconduct. | |
There was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges over the alleged data protection breaches. | There was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges over the alleged data protection breaches. |
The chair of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, Kevin Phillips, said there would be "an awful lot of concerned police officers". | |
Mr Phillips added: "The people who have stood up and said something should be protected and can't be victimised. | |
"I have no doubt whatsoever that they will have concerns and they will be looking over their shoulders." | |
Panel chair Dorian Lovell-Pank QC will now write a report of its findings and will recommend any sanctions Mr Gargan should face under police regulations. | |
The panel met behind closed doors even though Ms Mountstevens wanted the proceedings held in public. | The panel met behind closed doors even though Ms Mountstevens wanted the proceedings held in public. |