A former Avon & Somerset police officer, known only as PC Z due to legal anonymity, has been banned from policing after attempting to form a personal relationship with a domestic abuse victim and instructing her to erase their text messages to hide his actions. The constable, who was stationed in Yeovil and joined the force in 2022, resigned before a misconduct panel ruled that his behavior amounted to gross misconduct, warranting dismissal had he remained in service.
PC Z first encountered the woman, referred to as Miss A, during an investigation in November 2022. Though she was not a victim or suspect in that case, she disclosed to him her history of domestic incidents with her partner, signaling her vulnerability. Despite this, the officer initiated and sustained contact with her—making 69 calls and texts across nine occasions between November 2022 and February 2023—without any legitimate policing justification. He visited her home, exchanged messages, and even cautioned her against keeping their correspondence, citing his professional role.
Barrister Mark Ley-Morgan, representing the constabulary, told a misconduct hearing on Wednesday, February 19, at force headquarters in Portishead that PC Z knowingly overstepped boundaries. “He pursued an emotional connection with Miss A, fully aware it was inappropriate given how they met,” Ley-Morgan said. The officer later deleted messages from his work phone in May 2023 after learning he was under investigation by the professional standards department, further attempting to conceal his actions.
The panel, which PC Z did not attend, heard that he admitted to the breaches of professional standards and gross misconduct. His Police Federation representative, Andrew Coggins, conveyed his apologies for the distress caused to Miss A and the embarrassment to the force. The panel chair granted him anonymity due to potential risks to witnesses if his identity were revealed.
Ley-Morgan highlighted the officer’s lack of self-control and respect, stating, “He abused his authority and undermined public trust in the police by targeting a vulnerable individual.” The relationship, while emotional rather than sexual, exploited his position as a response officer.
Detective Superintendent Larisa Hunt, head of the professional standards department, said the case came to light after a public tip-off in March 2023. Initially referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, it was deemed suitable for local handling. Examination of PC Z’s phone records uncovered numerous interactions with Miss A, some recoverable despite deletions, occurring both on and off duty. “His conduct toward a vulnerable member of our community was unacceptable,” Hunt said. “We commend the person who reported this, enabling us to ensure he can no longer serve in policing.”
Hunt added that the outcome should bolster public confidence in reporting misconduct, reinforcing the force’s commitment to accountability. The investigation confirmed PC Z’s attempts to cover his tracks, solidifying the panel’s ruling that his actions discredited the profession.
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