'Shameful' Cleveland Chief Constable Sacked

The chief constable of Cleveland Police has been sacked for gross misconduct and branded "shameful" and a "bully".

A disciplinary hearing concluded that Mr Price misled the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) by lying and by trying to get a member of staff to lie for him.

IPCC commissioner Nicholas Long said Mr Price's standards fell far below what would be expected.

Mr Price was originally investigated following allegations about his role in recruiting the daughter of former police authority chairman Dave McLuckie to a civilian post.

It was claimed that in doing so he used "undue influence" to get her the job. The hearing found that he asked a member of staff to inquire about the job but he then denied doing so when he was subsequently investigated by the IPCC.

The panel also concluded that he then directed the member of staff to lie about the matter when questioned.

"Sean Price's attempts to mislead the IPCC investigation by lying and putting pressure on a member of staff to lie on his behalf were shameful," he said in a statement.

"He almost got away with his attempted deception. Mr Price appeared to think his position as chief constable gave him the power to order people to do as he wished.

"A chief constable must set the standards for the police force to follow. Sean Price appears to have forgotten this and he set his own standards, which fell far below those that would be expected.

"He has attempted to intimidate and bully staff under his leadership and mislead an independent investigation."

Cleveland Police Authority has said that Mr Price's dismissal means a further misconduct hearing relating to 11 other matters in respect of gross misconduct will now no longer take place.

He remains on police bail pending further inquiries in relation to Operation Sacristy.

Chair of Cleveland Police Authority Stuart Drummond said: "As a police officer, and particularly as a chief constable, Sean Price's behaviour and attitude over this matter was completely unacceptable and the sanction imposed is wholly appropriate."

Mr Price said in a statement: "Clearly, I am extremely disappointed with the result today.

"I believe the disciplinary proceedings have, sadly, come to an incorrect conclusion. On a personal note, I continue to deny any wrongdoing in this or any other matter."