Two Lancashire Constabulary officers are facing a four day Misconduct Hearing next week (10th to 13th July, 2023) over allegations they used excessive force, abusive behaviour, and failed to carry out their duties while attending a domestic incident in Thornton-Cleveleys, near Blackpool, in 2017.
It will convene at Ormskirk police station (pictured above) on Monday at 10am.
Both officers have been previously cleared at a Crown Court trial over allegations of perverting the course of justice. One of the two officers, ex-Police Constable (PC) Jon Kelly was allowed to retire on grounds of ill-health late last year.
A hearing notice on the force website states:
“It is alleged that former [PC] 1647 [Jon] Kelly and PC 5706 [Ellen] McLachlan have attended a reported incident and that both have used excessive force, which was not necessary, proportionate or reasonable.
“It is further alleged that former officer Kelly used behaviour and language towards a member of the public, which was or could be perceived to be abusive, oppressive and offensive.
“It is alleged that former officer Kelly and PC McLachlan failed to carry out their duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability by being aware of body worn video footage and failing to take steps to ensure it was disclosed during criminal proceedings.
“It is also alleged that PC McLachlan entered false information regarding a charging decision on an internal document with the CPS.
“In light of the stated conduct, it is alleged that former officer Kelly breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to use of force, authority, respect and courtesy, honesty and/or integrity and duties and responsibilities.
“It is alleged that PC McLachlan has breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to use of force, honesty and/or integrity, duties and responsibilities and challenging and reporting improper behaviour.”
Former PC Kelly will be asked to deny the allegations or offer mitigation, with an independent panel deciding the outcome.
If the allegations are found proved, the panel will make a decision on what punishment would have been appropriate had the officer still been employed by the force.
The hearing is a reconvened hearing, from December, 2022 and then January, 2023, with the misconduct panel consisting of Paul Forster, a legally qualified chair; Superintendent Claire Cooper-Moore, police panel member; and Mansoor Shah, an independent panel member.
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Page last updated: Friday 7th July, 2023 at 15h55
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Picture credit: Lancs Live
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