Neil Wilby Media

A Lancashire Constabulary officer, whom a Liverpool Crown Court jury cleared of thirteen counts of sexual assault in May, 2021, must now face a misconduct hearing.

The proceedings, which will take place at Ormskirk Police Station, open on Monday 30th October and are scheduled to last until 10th November, 2023.

PC Anthony Ford, who was a response officer based in Burnley at the time of his trial, faces the following allegations:

He has engaged in unwanted sexualised conduct directed at female police colleagues.

It is alleged that such conduct included comments and physical contact, which was inappropriate.

As such, it is alleged that PC Ford breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in the areas of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity and Discreditable Conduct.

PC Ford denies the charges and will be represented by counsel at the hearing.

The Panel will comprise:

Paul Forster – Legally Qualified Chair

Superintendent Justin Srivastava – Police Panel Member

Mrs Sian Beard – Independent Panel Member

If found guilty of gross misconduct, sanctions can include dismissal without notice.

The force has not provided any explanation as to how or why there has been 29 month delay in bringing these proceedings since the criminal trial concluded.

They have also been asked to confirm whether PC Ford has been either suspended or placed on restricted duties since the allegations were first brought to attention by the female police officer complainants.

At the conclusion of his trial the judge, HHJ Andrew Menary KC, the Recorder of Liverpool told PC Ford that his ‘appalling prehistoric attitude towards women’ should, at the very least, lead Lancs Police to send him on a diversity course.

Page last updated: Thursday 26th October, 2023 at 1005 hours

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Picture credit: Lancashire Constabulary

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