Police officers accused of misconduct over 2017 taser incident face even longer wait to learn their fate
A week-long hearing had been due to conclude today
Jamie LopezSenior Reporter
Proceedings stem from the use of a taser in 2017 (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Two Lancashire police officers accused of misconduct in a 2017 arrest will face a longer wait to learn their fate after their hearing was delayed by several weeks.
PC Jon Kelly and PC Ellen McLachlan are accused of various allegations over their handling of an incident in Thornton Cleveleys as well as how the aftermath was dealt with. The pair have been acquitted of criminal charges at a Crown Court trial but are continuing to face questions over their professional standards.
For the past five days, the officers and their representatives have sat before a misconduct hearing in Ormskirk Police Station to answer allegations relating to the arrest of Steven Pepper. The hearing has so far heard the Mr Pepper was tasered by PC McLachlan when offering 'no threat' and that as he lay on the floor, PC Kelly called him a "skanky f***er" and "scum", while also telling him "hopefully your dog will get run over".
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Among the claims against PC McLachlan are that she "entered false information regarding a charging decision on an internal document with the CPS". It was today argued that the acting Inspector who denied authorising that charge may actually have verbally done so but forgotten when quizzed much later.
Inspector Pete Hannon appeared before the panel today and faced questions over his involvement in the incident. He said that he was an acting inspector at the time and primary based at Blackpool so was unlikely to have been involved in any decision making at Fleetwood station.
Mr Pepper had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting PC Jaqis as she responded to a domestic violence incident at his home in Thornton Cleveleys. His partner, Cheryle Steele, was first arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace, a decision which is said to have angered him and led to him to run out after her. This is when he is alleged to have assaulted the officer as he barged past her in a hallway.
Once in custody, he was found to be carrying a lock knife which led to a charge of possession of an offensive weapon. On the police's electronic system, that charge was marked as being authorised by Insp Hannon but he denied ever doing so.
When asked his tone in a previous statement on the matter, the inspector said he was "angry" about being "dragged into" the case. He told the panel: "I've got enough time in the police to know if you don't need to be involved in something, don't be."
Asked by Lisa Judge, representing PC McLachlan, if he could have had a conversation with the officer about a charging decision and forgotten about it, he said: "I'd be highly doubtful." Ms Judge then raised a separate incident in which he had denied knowledge of authorising a caution before later remembering that he had done so and again asked if that was possible in this case.
The hearing was due to run for five days but has significantly overrun and the counsel today were left discussing alternative dates for the proceedings can recommence. The panel chair said at least two more days would be needed and that it would not happen any time before late January.
Both officers are accused of using excessive force and failing to carry out their duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability by being aware of Body Worn Video footage and failing to take steps to ensure it was disclosed during criminal proceedings. PC Kelly is also to have used behaviour and language towards a member of the public, which was or could be perceived to be abusive, oppressive and offensive.
It is also alleged that PC McLachlan entered false information regarding a charging decision on an internal document with the CPS. Both are accused Standards of Professional Behaviour as a result.
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