Former officer dismissed in absence as allegations of gross misconduct proven

A former police officer, described as ‘manipulative’ and ‘abusive’, would have received a dismissal without notice had he not already resigned, a gross misconduct panel has ruled.

Ex-PC Stephen Evans, who resigned from Gwent Police in October, did not attend the two-day public hearing in Cwmbran in relation to his alleged conduct towards ‘Female A’ in 2021.

An investigation by Gwent Police’s professional standards department found that the former officer had breached the professional standards of behaviour regarding ‘authority, respect and courtesy’, discreditable conduct’ and ‘honesty and integrity’.

In their ruling, the hearing panel ruled that the allegations against Evans for breaches of the authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct were upheld as gross misconduct.

However, the panel found that his conduct did not breach the honesty and integrity standard.

T/Assistant Chief Constable Nick McLain, who chaired the panel, said:

“The actions of this former officer are truly disgraceful; he was not only physically abusive but also mentally abusive.

“He was highly manipulative, and his behaviour towards his victim was repeated and sustained.

“I’d like to thank her for having the bravery to speak out; your courage in making these reports has allowed these proceedings to go ahead and for us to take the action necessary.

“Even though he is a former officer, it is right that we have proceeded with this hearing as there is no place in Gwent Police for anyone who acts in such an abhorrent manner.

“The public rightfully expects better from its police officers, and we have shown that we will not accept those who act to undermine trust and confidence in the police.”

The former officer was dismissed in his absence and will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.