Amy Clarke secures dismissal without notice of police sergeant who established an inappropriate relationship and engaged in intimate physical touching of a junior colleague

Amy was instructed by Wiltshire Police to present the disciplinary proceedings against PS Gavin Hucks, who was found to have pursued a relationship with a junior, female constable for whom he had supervisory responsibility.  In the course of that relationship, he engaged in flirtatious messaging, purchased presents, stroked her hair, arm and leg and suggested they arrange a hotel room together. On two occasions, whilst alone in a police vehicle during a night shift, PS Hucks attempted to kiss his colleague and touched her vagina over her clothing, without her consent. 

PS Hucks denied the allegations. After a seven day hearing involving lengthy witness testimony the Panel accepted Amy’s submissions that the evidence established that the conduct had occurred as alleged, and that such conduct amounted to gross misconduct. The Panel concluded the appropriate sanction was dismissal without notice and PS Hucks will also be placed on the Police Barred List, preventing future employment in policing.

Amy is regularly instructed by police forces to advise on and to present complex disciplinary proceedings and in the Police Appeal Tribunal. 

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Authors

Amy Clarke

Call 2010

Related areas

Police Law

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