A Cleveland Police officer was dismissed from her job after violently attacking her mother while drunk on Fireball cocktails. The shocking incident took place on Boxing Day 2023 after a family gathering spiraled out of control. A disciplinary panel found her guilty of gross misconduct, leading to her immediate dismissal and a lifetime ban from policing.
Incident Unfolds After Family Dispute
Leanne Counter, a student police officer, was out drinking with her family when the situation turned chaotic. After being thrown out of her sister’s home in Teesside due to her rowdy behavior, her mother, Julie Counter, attempted to take her home safely. However, Counter’s behavior became so disruptive that a taxi driver abandoned them at Wolviston service station.
At the service station, a concerned motorist, Lewis Failes, was approached by Julie, who asked for a lift to get her daughter home before she got into trouble. Despite knowing that both women had been drinking, Failes agreed to help and set off towards Middlesbrough with his brother-in-law in the passenger seat.
Violent Attack Inside the Car
As they drove along the A19, Counter’s aggressive behavior escalated. She verbally abused her mother before launching a physical attack. The force of her assault caused the car to “bounce,” forcing Failes’ brother-in-law to climb into the back seat to shield Julie from further harm.
Julie Counter later told the police, “I have been crying because it was my daughter who attacked me. I cannot even look at Leanne.” She suffered a cut under her nostril, a swollen cheekbone, and bruises on her forearm from trying to defend herself.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
Leanne Counter was arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm but answered “no comment” to all police questions. Surprisingly, no criminal charges have been filed against her so far.
The following day, her father confronted her about the incident. Initially unaware of what had happened, Counter later messaged a police colleague, admitting she was in trouble with her family and blaming the Fireball drinks for her actions. She stated, “If he says I hit her, then I must have done.”
Past Violent Behavior and Disciplinary Action
During the investigation, it was revealed that this was not the first time Counter had been physically aggressive while intoxicated. She admitted that on a previous occasion, she had put her father’s girlfriend in a headlock during an altercation.
Cleveland Police’s representative, Mark Ley-Morgan, argued that her behavior was a serious breach of the standards expected from police officers. He stated, “She had drunk to excess, and this is not a one-off. She has verbally abused and assaulted her mother in public. A reasonable person would be concerned about an officer unable to control their drinking and resorting to violence when drunk.”
Dismissal and Lifetime Ban from Policing
On February 17, 2024, a disciplinary panel found Leanne Counter guilty of gross misconduct. Panel chairman Ian Wright stated, “Immediate dismissal is the only outcome that will serve to maintain public confidence.” She was fired from her role as a constable and permanently barred from serving in the police force.
Despite this, her legal representative, Paul Crowley, argued that the incident was out of character and that she was deeply apologetic. He stated, “She has an unblemished record and does not recognize the behaviors alleged against her. She accepts alcohol was a factor but does not recall the incident.”
Leanne Counter’s career as a police officer ended abruptly due to her violent, alcohol-fueled behavior. The incident not only led to her dismissal but also permanently barred her from returning to the force. This case highlights the dangers of excessive drinking and the importance of self-control, especially for individuals in positions of authority.
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