Martyn Hynes successfully secures a substantial reduction in the scope of gross misconduct allegation

Martyn Hynes has successfully secured a substantial reduction in the scope of gross misconduct allegations brought against a former Detective Inspector.

The officer initially faced nine allegations amounting to gross misconduct, including sexual harassment, harassment, and breaches of multiple Standards of Professional Behaviour under Schedule 2 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. The standards cited were Integrity, Authority, Respect & Courtesy, and Discreditable Conduct. The allegations concerned conduct spanning from 2015 to 2022 and included claims of inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour towards women whom the officer met through an online dating website.

Working in close collaboration with King’s Counsel for the Appropriate Authority, Mr. Hynes negotiated a basis of admission that removed the most serious elements of the case, specifically those relating to sexual harassment and coercive control and removed the breaches of integrity and authority respect and courtesy.

As a result, the gross misconduct proceedings ultimately progressed based on seven allegations of discreditable conduct only.

An investigation into the officer commenced in 2021. During the course of that investigation, procedural matters have been identified that the former officer now pursues against his former force and those investigating.

Martyn was instructed by Stephen Elliott of Lloyd James Law LLP.