25 Mar 2013

Cleveland Police deputy chief constable sacked

The deputy chief constable of Cleveland police has been sacked in one of the most expensive police disciplinary inquiries.

A misconduct panel dismissed Derek Bonnard from Cleveland Police for gross misconduct.

The senior officer refused to attend the tribunal which heard the evidence in his absence.

The current chief constable Jacqui Cheer said Mr Bonnard’s refusal to admit to misconduct earlier has cost the taxpayer close to £500,000.

Bonnard was found guilty on six counts including deliberately obstructing a corruption inquiry, misusing public funds for a charity bike ride and misusing a coporate credit card.

He was arrested back in August 2011 along with the then chief constable Sean Price who last year was also sacked for gross misconduct.

IPCC Commissioner Nick Long said this ruling brings to an end a sorry chapter for Cleveland Police.

“The two most senior police officers in the force have had their careers unceremoniously ended because of their individual failings.

“Events of the past two years can only have diminished public confidence in the force.

“I hope the conclusion of these disciplinary matters can act as a salutary reminder to all senior police officers that their role is to ensure the communities they serve are protected from crime and that they must be public servants beyond reproach.”

She said “the force deserved better from one of its senior officers.”